Results for: vickers aircraft

Archer Aviation, a Bay Area-based electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developer, announced it has now completed the final assembly of its first Midnight aircraft. With final assembly and initial testing complete, the aircraft was recently shipped from Archer’s Palo Alto facility to its flight test facility in Salinas, California and reassembled. Archer will now take this aircraft through a series of ground tests leading up to its planned first flight this summer. The Midnight aircraft has recently garnered significant attention from the U.S. Department of Defense given its payload capabilities.

Component manufacturing is already underway for Archer’s conforming Midnight aircraft. Archer is targeting the completion of final assembly of its initial conforming Midnight aircraft in Q4 2023 and to begin piloted flight test operations in early 2024. 

“Today we announced our exciting progress that the final assembly of our first Midnight aircraft is now complete and it is preparing for its flight test program,” said Adam Goldstein, Archer’s Founder and CEO. “This aircraft will accelerate and reduce risk on our certification program paving the way for our team to focus on building and conducting piloted operations with conforming aircraft to support the goal of entering into service in 2025.”

Archer and its key strategic partners, Stellantis and United Airlines, continue to advance its aircraft development and commercial operations in accordance with the company certification timeline. The company has also demonstrated strong manufacturing and commercial operations with the build out of its high-volume manufacturing facility in Covington, Georgia underway and announced key strategic electric air taxi routes in New York and Chicago.

Related:

• Archer Completes Wind Tunnel Testing Campaign in Switzerland
• Archer and United to Fly eVTOL Route in Chicago Starting in 2025
• Stellantis to Help Mass-Produce Archer’s Midnight eVTOL

With a range of up to 100 miles, Archer’s Midnight aircraft is designed to perform rapid back-to-back flights with minimal charge time in between. Archer’s goal is to transform inter-city travel, replacing 60-90 minute commutes by car that can take over an hour in traffic with  ~10-20 minute electric air taxi flights that are safe, sustainable, low noise and cost competitive with ground transportation.

Why it’s important: This Midnight aircraft will enable Archer to perform critical “company testing” to accelerate and reduce risk on its certification program with the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) in advance of “for credit” certification testing that the company plans to begin early next year with piloted Midnight aircraft. The company’s strategy with this aircraft is to enable execution of many of the same test points that will be needed during piloted “for credit” flight testing in order to further validate the aircraft before the FAA witnesses and participates in the testing – a customary practice in many aircraft certification programs.

Source // Archer press release

Vmo Aircraft Leasing and H55, a leader in electric propulsion technology for aviation, have announced their collaboration to develop leasing solutions for clean aviation technologies. The partnership aims to provide leasing programs targeted at supporting the emerging market for financing electric aircraft, battery storage systems, and energy management systems.

Above: A Trainer Aircraft using H55 electric propulsion

H55, developer of electric propulsion systems such as batteries, controllers, and electric motors, has the goal of helping to make aviation a zero-emission industry by 2050. Vmo Aircraft leasing has this same vision, and the companies have now formed a collaboration to push towards this mission.

The two companies will create leasing programs for zero-emission aircraft and components that will help grow the market, demand, and developmental capacity for this propulsion type. Currently, Vmo offers liquidity and fleet solutions to airlines, lessors, and OEMs to increase operational and capital efficiency, while H55 has over 20 years of experience in creating sustainable propulsion solutions.

Vmo and H55’s first customers include OEMs, component manufacturers, and operators who are working electrification programs for both new and existing designs.

Above: Propulsion technologies created by H55

Said Robert Brown, Executive Chairman of Vmo Aircraft Leasing: “Technology and innovation are rapidly changing the aviation industry’s landscape, with emission-free aircraft designs on track to revolutionize airline fleets. With the giant addressable market, lessors will play a key role in financing electric and hybrid-electric aircraft.”

Said André Borschberg, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of H55, “As we are getting closer to commercialize clean aviation products, we believe it’s important to provide financing solutions for innovative products to facilitate the transition to sustainable aviation. A clear financial offering will make it possible to operators to fully appreciate the value they will derive from their investment. Leasing batteries with regular battery replacements, which will evolve in terms of improved performance, will move the cost of fuel to investing in technology.”

Why it’s Important: As zero-emission propulsion like H55’s gets closer to commercialization, there is a growing need for companies to provide financial solutions that will make these new technologies accessible to commercial operators. Making these systems more accessible through leasing programs will increase the volume of commercial operators who decide to begin implementing sustainable propulsion, giving it a faster track to becoming an integral part of regional air transportation.

Source // H55

Related:

• Eviation’s first all-electric airplane takes flight
• Alaska Airlines Partners with ZeroAvia to Develop the World’s Largest Zero-Emission Aircraft
• Pipistrel’s Velis Electro Set to Break 7 World Records During Flight
• Ampaire Receives Order for 6 Hybrid-Electric Aircraft from Conecta, Subsidary of Azul Airlines
• LaunchPoint Begins Shipments of Hybrid-Electric Motors

LIFT Aircraft announced Monday the advent of their Beta program, which will allow investors that contribute $5,000 or more via StartEngine to have early access to flight training for HEXA flights at their Austin, Texas headquarters.

The company shared that they’re able to make this step forward now that they’ve completed testing of their beginner customer flight envelope in partnership with the US Air Force, and received approval from our Safety Advisory Board. LIFT has stated that this is the last step prior to their full public launch and US Tour.

LIFT has raised $18M in funding from VC’s, accredited investors, and US government grants, including over $5M from crowd sourced investing. Over 2,500 people have reportedly contributed.

In other recent news, LIFT completed the first-ever piloted eVTOL demonstration flights in Japan with the HEXA aircraft. The flights were conducted in partnership with Marubeni Corporation, with whom the Austin, Texas based company is partnering to develop and advance the eVTOL market in Japan, and with participation from GMO Internet Group.

LIFT has formally concluded Phase 1 flight test and beginner flight envelope development with the U.S. Air Force and has launched Alpha Flights, allowing people outside of their Flight Operations and Test teams to fly.

Related:

• LIFT Signs Letter of Intent For Usage in Manhattan, Charm Pre-Orders 100 HEXA PAV’s
• LIFT’s HEXA to Advance to Phase 3 Contract with USAF
• LIFT Aircraft and Parallel Flight Technologies Announce Hybrid Propulsion Partnership

Why it’s important: LIFT’s announcement would allow the public to visit LIFT’s flight test center in Austin and fly the HEXA prototype themselves for $5,000. LIFT has maintained a goal of making flying accessible to the general public and is backing up their intent by offering flight tests for a small fraction of the price of purchasing a HEXA. Additionally, these trial flight tests will offer more visibility to LIFT’s technology and enable the public to have increased visibility of the future of aerial mobility technologies.

To invest in LIFT, view the company’s StartEngine page here.

Mexico City, May 4, 2023 – Redwings, a business aviation service group that provides aircraft management, charter, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, announced today its plan to launch eVTOL air-taxi services in Mexico City, with the signing of a letter of intent to purchase up to 20 of Jaunt Air Mobility’s four-passenger Journey eVTOL aircraft. The move is part of Redwings’ strategy to expand its service offerings and meet the growing demand for on-demand air transportation.

Jaunt Air Mobility is an aerospace company that designs and develops advanced air vehicles for urban air mobility. The company’s Journey eVTOL aircraft combines a fixed wing and a rotor with patented slow-rotor compound technology, which reduces drag and vibration by lowering the speed of the main rotor to around 10 rpm during cruise flight. The aircraft is expected to have a maximum speed of 175 mph on flights of up to around 100 miles.

Redwings plans to begin operations in Mexico with 10 units, with options for 10 more, pending the completion of Jaunt’s type certification under Transport Canada Part 529 requirements in 2027. The company is confident in the Journey’s ability to operate at altitude, particularly in Mexico City, which has an elevation of 7,349 feet, higher than Denver, Colorado. According to Redwings President Bernardo Moreno, “The Journey’s highly efficient vertical flight capability enables this aircraft to operate at altitude with no performance limitations.”

Redwings currently operates a fleet of managed aircraft, including Embraer Legacy 600 and Hawker 800XPi jets, and a Bell 505 helicopter. The company also runs a Fixed Base Operator (FBO) at Queretaro Intercontinental Airport, around 130 miles northwest of Mexico City, and provides business aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services.

The addition of eVTOL air-taxi services to its portfolio will be a significant growth opportunity for Redwings, as it seeks to leverage the benefits of this technology to deliver faster and more efficient air travel options to its customers. “We are excited to partner with Jaunt Air Mobility to bring their innovative eVTOL technology to our customers,” said Moreno. “Our goal is to provide safe and reliable air-taxi services that deliver the convenience and flexibility our customers need to travel quickly and efficiently within and around Mexico City.”

Redwings’ move into the eVTOL market is in line with the growing trend towards urban air mobility and the use of electric and hybrid-electric aircraft to reduce emissions and congestion in major international cities. With its existing resources, the company is well-poised to take advantage of this trend and position itself as a leader in the aerial mobility industry in Mexico.

Why it’s important: Redwings’ announcement to launch eVTOL air-taxi services with Jaunt Air Mobility’s Journey aircraft in Mexico City represents another key area of internal growth for aerial mobility industry. The Journey aircraft’s unique slow-rotor compound technology makes it well-suited for operating at high altitudes, opening even more markets for the aircraft. Additionally, Redwings’ investment in eVTOL technology with its strong presence in Mexico City highlights the potential for eVTOLs to integrate with existing aviation services and infrastructure.

Related:

• BLADE Air Mobility signs MoU with Jaunt for Operations in India (April 2023)
• Jaunt and MintAir partner to launch aerial mobility service in South Korea (September 2022)
• AIRO Group, parent company of Jaunt, prepares for IPO (April 2022)
• L&T Technology Services is Awarded $100 million to Manufacture Jaunt Air Mobility Aircraft (April 2022)

ZeroAvia has announced a major partnership with Alaska Airlines to develop a 76-passenger, hydrogen fuel-cell powered aircraft. The aircraft will be a Bombardier Q400, which was provided to ZeroAvia by Alaska Airlines. ZeroAvia will retrofit the Q400 with hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion to make it the first of its kind.

ZeroAvia, a major developer of hydrogen-electric powertrains for commercial aircraft, has already had great success in setting multiple hydrogen propulsion records in flight-tested aircraft.

Through this partnership, ZeroAvia was officially provided with a retired Alaska Airlines Bombardier Q400. Thanks to this donation, ZeroAvia will be able to convert the Dash-8 airframe into the largest hydrogen-powered aircraft ever to take flight.

At the partnership event, ZeroAvia also debuted its multi-megawatt modular electric motor system in a 1.8MW prototype, which featured a live demonstration with a propeller spin on ZeroAvia’s ground-test rig. When combined with ZeroAvia’s in-house developed higher temperature PEM fuel cells and advanced power electronics, this advanced electric motor technology becomes one of the crucial elements needed to make hydrogen fuel cell engines commercially viable for larger aircraft.

ZeroAvia’s 15-ton “HyperTruck” ground-test rig

Said Val Miftakhov, founder and CEO of ZeroAvia, “Demonstrating this size of aircraft in flight, powered entirely by novel propulsion, would have been unthinkable a few years ago. Launching this program puts us on track for a test flight next year, and accelerates our progress toward the future of zero-emission flight for Alaska Airlines and for the world at large.”

ZeroAvia plans is targeting a 300-mile range in 9–19 seat aircraft by 2025, and up to 700-mile range in 40–80 seat aircraft by 2027. The company has already demonstrated a successful test flight this January of a 19-seat aircraft with its prototype 600kW hydrogen-electric engine (ZA600), and has secured $10B in pre-orders from a number of major global airlines. The company is on track for commercial operations of retrofitted aircraft by 2025.

Alaska Airlines established a collaboration with ZeroAvia in 2021, and made a major investment in the company to facilitate the advancement of zero emissions propulsion technology for regional aircraft.

Why it’s important: As one of the largest airlines in the U.S. with a broad regional network, Alaska is has an exceptional opportunity to begin integrating zero-emissions propulsion technology into its regional fleet. Through this partnership, ZeroAvia will be given a chance to demonstrate the feasibility of hydrogen-propulsion for larger aircraft, and Alaska Airlines will be able to set a precedent for zero-emissions regional transportation.

Source // Alaska Airlines, Electrek

Related:

• ZeroAvia Achieves ‘Record-Breaking’ Hydrogen Fuel Cell Performance (March 2023)
• ZeroAvia Achieves First Flight of its Hydrogen-Electric Prototype (January 2023)
• Hydrogen-Powered ZeroAvia Aircraft Takes Flight (August 2019)

To further advance it’s electric aircraft charging solutions towards commercialization, Electro.aero has formed partnerships with SkyPortz, Altaport, Aerovy Mobility, and Greenstar Aviation. All of these partnerships seek to enhance Electro.aero’s offerings for turnkey electric aircraft charging solutions.

Featured rendering of one of Electro.aero’s RAP!D Aircraft Charger 200 in action

In order to perfect its electric aircraft charging solutions, Electro.aero has partnered with several different companies who will assist with software, leasing, and infrastructure development. With these partnerships, Electro.aero seeks to be able to “install world leading, high tech aircraft charging solutions with fully integrated smart software for electricity and traffic management, all at minimal upfront cost”, according to CEO and CoFounder Richard Charlton.

The four new partnerships announced by Electro.Aero are:

Skyportz – A highly-noted developer of vertiport infrastructure focused on securing access to optimal sites for vertiports. With a growling portfolio of dedicated sites across Australia, Skyportz is assisting property developers and owners in preparing for future eVTOL air taxi and cargo services.

Aerovy Mobility – A developer of electric charging software for advanced air mobility. When integrated with Electro.Aero chargers and battery energy storage systems, Aerovy software will enable dynamic pricing of aircraft charging services based on machine learning of supply and demand patterns. This will ensure that providers of charging services can guarantee that every aircraft can be charged as needed for high volumes of fllights with quick turn-around times, while minimizing electricity costs from the grid.

Altaport – An established provider of automation software for airports, heliports, vertiports, and droneports. When integrated with Electro.Aero charging infrastructure, Altaport software will manage charging slots by pre-booking and queue control of incoming aircraft needing to be charged. By providing real-time information about available chargers and pricing to aircraft operators, Altaport software will maximize the utilization of charging assets and minimize aircraft turnaround time.

Greenstar Aviation Partners – Developer of structured leasing solutions for electric aircraft and charging infrastructure. With an extensive background in the sustainable aviation sector and long-standing experience in global leasing of aviation assets, Greenstar’s financial solutions enable aviation customers to acquire the infrastructure they need to enable electric aviation.

Why it’s important: These new partnerships by Electro.aero will allow the company to provide fully-integrated, turnkey electric aircraft charging solutions to aircraft operators, vertiport developers, airports, manufacturers and more. This total system will give Electro.aero advantage over other providers, as it allows the company to offer a product that many vertiport developers will be able to purchase to have every charging system need provided.

As the eVTOL air mobility industry continues to grow and demand for electric aircraft charging solutions does as well, Electro.aero’s early start on providing comprehensive solution will be give it a significant competitive edge. Additionally, systems like Electro.aero’s will make it much easier for many potential veriport site owners to consider and launch vertiports in expanded areas, eventually meaning ventiports in more locations.

Related:

• Skyportz to Close Fundraising Round following $18M Federal Grant
• Altaport and Partners Prepare for Vertiport Automation
• Electro.Aero Releases New Line of Electric Aircraft Chargers
• ASTM Publishes International Standards for Vertiports

Source // Eelctro.aero Press release

London, UK – Vertical Aerospace, the pioneering British electric aircraft company, has been awarded Design Organisation Approval (DOA) by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for its VX4 eVTOL aircraft. This significant milestone brings Vertical Aerospace one step closer to achieving Type Certification for its cutting-edge aircraft, as the DOA signals the government’s confidence for design of a safe and reliable aircraft.

The DOA is the first of its kind to be granted by the CAA for an eVTOL aircraft, making Vertical Aerospace a trailblazer in the aerial mobility industry. This authorization allows the company to conduct design activities and issue design approvals, demonstrating its commitment to meeting stringent safety and regulatory standards.

In order to obtain the DOA, Vertical Aerospace underwent a comprehensive assessment by the CAA, which evaluated the company’s procedures, quality management system, technical workforce competence, and facilities and equipment. This recognition from the CAA reflects Vertical Aerospace’s dedication to ensuring safety is at the core of its VX4 eVTOL aircraft.

The VX4 is a piloted eVTOL aircraft with a capacity of four passengers and a range of 100+ miles (160km). Vertical Aerospace conducted a successful maiden flight of a prototype VX4 with a tether in September last year, and the current flight test program aims to test higher altitudes, speeds, and the transition from vertical to horizontal flight for the first time.

Stephen Fitzpatrick, the founder and CEO of Vertical Aerospace, expressed his excitement about the DOA, stating, “Vertical is the first British electric aircraft company in history to receive a DOA from the UK aviation regulator. This approval is a critical step forward in our mission to decarbonize air travel and bring the UK’s first electric aircraft to market.”

Vertical Aerospace has also initiated the certification process for the VX4 in Japan, with the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau’s (JCAB) acceptance of the VX4’s validation program. The company has secured 100 VX4 pre-orders through leasing firm Avolon, with Japan Airlines, and 200 pre-orders with Japanese conglomerate Marubeni Corporation.

In addition to working towards Type Certification with the CAA and validations with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the USA, Vertical Aerospace is also in discussions with the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil for the VX4’s future validation program.

Paul Harper, Vertical Aerospace’s head of certification, praised the achievement, saying, “Receiving a DOA from the CAA is a huge testament to our team and the hard work we are doing to ensure safety is at the core of the VX4. It represents a significant milestone on our journey to Type Certification and we would like to thank the CAA for their guidance and continued support. I believe that in formally working with JCAB, as the fourth aviation regulator Vertical is committed to certifying with, we are on track for establishing the most detailed understanding of global regulators’ needs and differences for eVTOLs. This will give us a competitive edge in bringing the VX4 into service.”

Vertical Aerospace’s DOA from the CAA, along with its ongoing efforts towards international certifications and partnerships, demonstrates the company’s dedication to leading the way in the development of electric aerial mobility and contribute to the decarbonization of air travel.

Why it’s important:

Vertical Aerospace’s recent Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for its VX4 eVTOL aircraft marks a pioneering achievement in the aerial mobility industry, as it is the first of its kind awarded by the CAA for an electric aircraft. The DOA signifies Vertical Aerospace’s capability to design a safe and reliable aircraft, and brings the company closer to achieving Type Certification, a crucial milestone for commercial operation. Vertical Aerospace’s global approach to aerial mobility, as demonstrated by its partnerships with international aviation regulators, highlights its commitment to becoming a leader in the emerging eVTOL market and advancing electric vertical aviation as a sustainable transportation solution.

Beta Technologies announced recently that they will enhance their focus on the development and certification of a conventional configuration electric aircraft. Beta is labeling the configuration as an eCTOL aircraft (electric conventional takeoff/landing).

The company has been flight testing a conventional fixed-wing version of its eVTOL prototype, which will now become the company’s certification candidate. The aircraft, called CX300, will generate lift from its wings rather than lifting propellers and has already generated orders from the cargo, medical, and defense sectors.

“We continue to progress our ALIA eVTOL design through certification, in harmony with the eCTOL program,” BETA Technologies Founder and CEO Kyle Clark said. “The two aircraft are common in their design, allowing us to economize validation of our high-performance solutions. With the eCTOL aircraft launch, we have further de-risked our path to commercialization and concurrently provide lower cost, more utility, and optionality to operators. This has given us the confidence to industrialize and invest heavily in production at scale over the last year.”

Beta intends to have the CX300 fully certified and ready for delivery by 2025. The company will continue development and certification efforts of its ALIA-250 eVTOL which will be closely based on the design of the CX300.

The company states that manufacturing will begin at the new South Burlington production facility this summer.

Why it matters: Amid regulatory churn and uncertainty over the future market demand and infrastructure required to support the eVTOL space, manufacturers like Beta are taking a middle ground on the innovation curve. By maintaining a conventional fixed wing configuration, operators can take fully advantage of the cost savings from the implantation of an electric aircraft for commercialization, while developers still pursue eVTOL models simultaneously. With planned certification only two years away, Beta has provided itself with a new road to market entry.

Source // Beta Technologies

Related:

Joby Aviation, major maker of an all-electric, passenger-carrying eVTOL has announced that it has begun final assembly of its first ‘company-conforming’ aircraft. This means this particular prototype was built in accordance with the manufacturing processes and quality management standards that will be used to mass-produce their eVTOL aircraft.

This latest announcement from Joby marks a significant step forward to the commercialization of Joby’s eVTOL, as well as a key step on the journey to achieve Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification required to begin passenger-carrying operations.

Having built the major aerostructures of the aircraft – the wing, tail, and fuselage – Joby is now beginning the process of fusing the structures together and installing the wiring, electronics, actuation, and propulsion systems on this pilot production aircraft. Joby expects the aircraft to begin flight testing of the aircraft in the first half of 2023.

“Beginning final assembly of our first company-conforming aircraft is a critical achievement for Joby and a landmark for the wider eVTOL industry,” said Didier Papadopoulos, Head of Aircraft OEM at Joby.

Notably, the construction of this aircraft is in accordance with Joby’s signature Quality Management System, which includes tracking and documentation of every part on the aircraft, configuration management of engineering drawings, environmental conditions during fabrication, and actions taken by manufacturing technicians. The Quality System is reviewed regularly by the FAA as part of the company’s preparation to receive a production certificate following the type certification of the aircraft.

Above: A prototype of Joby’s eVTOL in flight

Why it’s important: This aircraft from Joby is the first of its eVTOLs to be made with the same processes that will be used to mass-produce the aircraft. This is a major milestone for the company, as it sets the company up to begin producing their aircraft at scale for commercialization as soon as all necessary certifications are earned. Notably, Joby is one of the first eVTOL developers ever to reach this stage.

Source // Joby Aviation

Ampaire, a company developing a fleet of hybrid-electric propulsion aircraft, has received an order from Azul’s Conecta regional airline in South Brazil. Conecta currently serves over 84 destinations in the country.

Ampaire’s current line of aircraft includes converted Cessna Grand Caravans, which it retrofits with hybrid-electric propulsion powertrains to create it’s ‘Eco-Caravan‘ Aircraft.

The regional Brazilian Airline Conecta already operates a fleet of 27 Grand Caravans. Through the partnership, Ampaire will upgrade six of these aircraft to ‘Eco-Caravans’ with hybrid-electric propulsion.

This work will include converting Conecta’s Caravans to hybrid-electric propulsion by installing Ampaire’s  AMP-H570 hybrid-electric powertrain and battery pack. With this purchase, Conecta hopes to lower operating costs on its fleet by 25% or more, as well as meet its newest sustainability goals.

Notably, Conecta is a regional subsidiary of Brazil’s largest airline, Azul. Azul’s passengers may use Conecta aircraft for shorter-distance regional flights.

“We are thrilled to work with the visionary team at Azul Conecta,” said Ampaire CEO Kevin Noertker. “They are among a group of established air carriers ready to embrace a hybrid-electric solution, providing leadership for an entire industry.”

Said Flavio Costa, Azul Conecta´s CEO, “After evaluating a range of technologies, including fully-electric and hydrogen fuel cells, we concluded that Ampaire moves us toward our ESG goals much sooner. Azul Conecta has innovation as a mission and sees the upgrade to the Eco Caravan as a major innovation that accelerates our path to sustainability, maintaining a safety standard in our operations, which is our first and non-negotiable value.”

In addition, Azul will also work in consultation with Ampaire to develop electric aircraft charging infrastructure  across Conecta bases and at other airports.

The Azul Conecta order follows the first flight of the Eco Caravan in November 2022 and the announcement days later of a $9 million award from the U.S. Department of Energy to help Ampaire advance systems so that they are ready for FAA certification and series production.

Why it’s Important: This announcement marks one of the first purchases by a major airline for hybrid-electric aircraft. By upgrading its aircraft to hybrid-electric propulsions through Ampaire, Conecta has the potential to significantly reduce operating costs, and initiate a major change in the regional airline industry. As the developments of these aircraft and partnerships begin to grow, we may soon see hybrid-propulsion entering service on larger fixed-wing aircraft as well.

SkyDrive, a Japanese eVTOL maker backed by Toyota, recently announced that it will be entering into the US Market – specifically in South Carolina. The company has outlined plans to build infrastructure through two key airports in South Carolina, in order to develop an advanced air mobility ecosystem in this area of the United states.

Above: A single-seat prototype by Skydrive, which completed manned demonstration flights early on in the eVTOL industry’s development.

At the 2023 Vertical Flight Society eVTOL symposium in Mesa, Arizona, SkyDrive announced its initial home base of operations in the United States will be in South Carolina. The company was first invited to the state by the Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation (BCEDC) in July 2022 and has since been working with local and state government agencies to study practical use cases for its eVTOL aircraft, the SD-05.

Above: SkyDrive SD-05 rendering

SkyDrive CEO, Tomohiro Fukuzawa, stated that the decision to make South Carolina the company’s home base in the U.S. was driven by the state’s strong presence in the commercial and military aviation industries, as well as its large network of aerospace and aviation companies, including Boeing and Lockheed Martin. With a mild climate, abundant tourism, and airports close to city centers, SkyDrive believes South Carolina is an ideal locationto utilize its SD-05 eVTOL aircraft.

“We are thrilled to bring our cutting-edge technology to the U.S. market and are confident that South Carolina’s resources and expertise in advanced aerospace manufacturing will provide us with a strong platform to achieve our goals,” said Fukuzawa. “We look forward to working with the state to create an advanced air mobility ecosystem that will put South Carolina at the forefront of eVTOL commercial operations.” 

SkyDrive’s vision for the future of transportation is to create a more efficient and convenient form of travel globally/ Wirth the establishment of its home base in South Carolina, the company hopes to move one step closer to realizing this goal.

Why it’s Important: Notably, this news marks the entry of a leading Japanese eVTOL manufacturer, SkyDrive, into the U.S. market. With its home base in South Carolina, a state known for its strong presence in the commercial and military aviation industries and for its network of aerospace and aviation companies, SkyDrive is poised to make a significant impact on the industry. 

SkyDrive’s decision to establish its home base in South Carolina also highlights the state’s commitment to advanced aerospace manufacturing and its potential to be a leader in the eVTOL market. This move also opens up new opportunities for SkyDrive to collaborate with local and state government agencies, aerospace companies, and other key stakeholders to create an advanced air mobility ecosystem in the state.

Source // Vertical Flight Society, SkyDrive

Related:

• SkyDrive Receives Order for up to 100 eVTOLs from Pacific Group
• SkyDrive Ranks Second in World Startup Competition
• SkyDrive Partners with Volatus Infrastructure

Electro.Aero, a company that develops high-voltage electric aircraft chargers, recently announced the arrival of their brand new charging station, the RAP!D Aircraft Charger 200. The new charger aims to set the stage for the aerial mobility charging industry. This new product is expected to be available for 2023 delivery. 

The mission of Electra.aero is to help in reducing the environmental impact of air transportation by providing high-end chargers exclusively designed for electric aircraft, including both fixed wing and eVTOL. Their newest product, the RAP!D Aircraft Charger 200 will provide 200kW per unit of AC electric charging. The new charger can convert between AS6968, CCS2 and NACS charging standards, and features a cable spool design that will allow it to be easily moved by single person to any point on the runway.

Additionally, Electro.aero also announced that it’s making a shipping container-sized battery system, called the AEROCHARGE. This system will allow even grids without high-voltage outputs to charge electric aircraft at rates up to 400kwH, using two RAP!D Aircraft Charger 200 combined. This means, for example, that even areas with only solar or low-voltage grids will still be able to fast-charge electric aircraft at vertiports. 

Already, Electro.aero is offering delivery deals on these charging systems. The company envisions many of its initial customers to be eVTOL protypers, and light fixed-wing aircraft users like Ampaire, Pipistrel, or Electra.aero eSTOLs.

Why It’s Important: Electro.aero is one of the only companies in the world specifically dedicated to providing electric aircraft charging products. By being first to market, Electro hopes to establish itself as a global leader in this industry. The new RAP!D Aircraft Charger 200 will allow for quick recharging, and can be installed almost anywhere, giving it the potential to significantly increase access to charging stations as eVTOL and electric fixed-wing aircraft become more prevalent across the world. By being first to market, Electro.aero can lay the groundwork and create a model for more electric charging station developers in the future.

Source // Electro.aero Press Release

Related:

• Eviation Announces Order From Aerus For 30 Alice All-Electric Commuter Aircraft
• Pipistrel’s Velis Electro Set to Break 7 World Records During Flight
• U.S Air Force Partners with Electra.aero eSTOLs for Funding Increase up to $85M

Marubeni, a Japanese industrial development company, has signed a deal to purchase 25 eVTOL aircraft from Vertical Aerospace, with options to purchase 200 in total.

Marubeni has ambitious plans to develop Advanced Aerial Mobility (AAM) networks throughout Japan, and other areas in Asia. Already, the company has conducted a proof-of-conceptions operation in Osaka, Japan, using traditional helicopters. It also has begun making pre-delivery payments on eVTOL aircraft from Vertical.

The two companies have formed a joint working group to plan how eVTOL aircraft and infrastructure can best be integrated into Japan’s existing transportation network.

In particular, Marubeni hopes to launch Aerial Mobility services using Vertical’s eVTOL at the Osaka World Expo 2025. To prepare for the event, the company conducted trials of flights from Osaka heliport to Wakayama using existing helicopters at future expected AAM service prices, to prove the concept for these future services.

Throughout the demonstration trials in Osaka, Marubeni began addressing public awareness, acceptance, and requirements for future eVTOL services in the prefecture.

Satoshi Takechi, general manager, Aviation, Space & Defense Department at Marubeni, said: “I am confident that our continued joint efforts with Vertical Aerospace, such as evaluating the requirements for eVTOL operations and engaging the potential partners under the Joint Working Group, together with this new agreement, will accelerate the development of the AAM market in Japan. Marubeni will further enhance activities to materialise our business, which aims to make air travel more accessible and convenient, while simultaneously contributing to climate change mitigation measures, including low-carbon and decarbonisation initiatives.”

Stephen Fitzpatrick, Vertical founder and CEO, said: “We are delighted to have reached the next milestone in our partnership with Marubeni. Japan is a wonderful country which is embracing the promise of eVTOL, as it will connect cities and regions like never before. We look forward to our joint efforts to build the ecosystem for zero-emissions travel in Japan.”

Why it’s important: The interest and collaboration of Marubeni with Vertical Aerospace further confirms Japan as high-potential launch market for eVTOL operations and overall aerial mobility. Notably, this agreement has made Marubeni the first Japanese company to make a major pre-purchase for eVTOL aircraft from Vertical Aerospace, joining American companies like American Airlines.

Source // Vertical Aerospace

Related:

• EHang 216 Completes Trial Flights Spanning Four Japanese Cities Over One Week
• ANA Holdings and Joby Partner to Bring Air Taxi Service to Japan
• American Airlines Solidifies Delivery Slots for Vertical Aerospace eVTOL Aircraft
• Japanese eVTOL developer SkyDrive Receives Order for up to 100 eVTOLs from Pacific Group