Results for: wisk

After recently announcing plans to conduct flight trials in New Zealand, the aspiring air taxi company Wisk has released details regarding the Cora, its autonomous electric air taxi vehicle.

The Cora is a two-seat autonomous aircraft powered by twelve boom-mounted independent lifting propellers enabling vertical flight. Designed to be autonomous from the start, Wisk CEO Gary Gysin emphasized the focus on safety for the development of the pilotless vehicle. “It also has a parachute recovery system,” said Gysin, “It is one of several safety aspects of the design. Whenever we fly along a route we always have multiple emergency landing spots and, being able to land anywhere, you have space everywhere in an emergency. And as a last resort we also have the emergency parachute—there is no single design point of failure.”

The Cora air taxi

Gysin and Wisk are aiming for a market niche centered around the two-seater design. “We are going straight to self-flying with two seats, so it is not optionally piloted”, said Gysin, “The sweet spot is anywhere from 30-to-60 mile range with reserves and 100 kt.-plus in speed. But based on the analysis we’ve done from a commuter perspective, when we are attacking that kind of market most of it says you are looking at 1.6 to 1.7 riders per vehicle. Clearly that data comes from the auto market, but we think that extrapolates into this market.” 

Wisk is a partner in the New Zealand government’s Airspace Integration Trials program, and the Cora will be certified by the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority, which has been working with Wisk and its predecessor companies for several years. “We have a certification basis to fly already and we are finishing that up and hope to get that soon,” Gysin said. “We have made a conscious decision not to give certain dates. We will fly when it’s safe and we are certified.” 

Why it’s important: Backed by Google co-founder Larry Page, Wisk and the Cora are in the running for one of the most anticipated air taxi rideshare services in the coming decade. With several conscious decisions made about how design of the Cora differs from other eVTOLs, the success of Wisk could help define how aerial mobility fills a market niche for transportation.

Source // Aviation Week

Related:

Wisk and New Zealand Government Partner for Autonomous Air Taxi Trials

The Cora eVTOL has been under development for almost ten years, and this week, aspiring air taxi operator Wisk signed an MoU with the New Zealand government in to conduct flight trials in Canterbury. The flight will represent the world’s first full airspace integration trial of an autonomous eVTOL.

Cora was developed by aerospace company Kittyhawk, which gave form to Wisk soon after forming a partnership with both Boeing and Air New Zealand. Ever since Wisk’s creation in 2019, the company has been working tirelessly to make its air taxi vision a reality, starting with New Zealand.

The Wisk Cora on the ground, making its many propellors visible.

The New Zealand Government announced in October of 2019 that it would establish an industry-wide Airspace Integration Trial program to safely test and demonstrate unmanned aircraft. Wisk, based in the United States and New Zealand, is the first company to join this program.

Said New Zealand’s Minister of Research Science and Innovation Hon. Dr. Megan Woods, “This trial is the first of its kind and Wisk’s innovative technology and commitment to New Zealand make them an ideal partner for advancing the future of travel in New Zealand and the world.”

Wisk CEO commented: “We are delighted to now have a signed agreement with the New Zealand Government, which will propel Cora’s entry to the air taxi market. We see this agreement as a sign of confidence in our product and abilities to develop and deliver a safe and reliable air taxi service, starting in New Zealand.”

The Airspace Integration Trial program is being centrally managed by New Zealand’s  Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Innovative Partnerships team, working alongside the Civil Aviation Authority, the Ministry of Transport and other key stakeholders to support industry partners to take their technology from testing to in-service operations.

Why it’s important: With this upcoming cutting-edge integration trail, Wisk puts itself forward as one of the world’s top budding eVTOL air taxi providers. By being first in New Zealand, Wisk will soon have a chance to fully develop and test an every-day urban air taxi network. Originally backed by Larry Page, Cora has come far since its inception.

Related: 

Wisk’s Newest Details on the Cora Air Taxi

ZeroAvia and Natilus have announced a strategic partnership to jointly develop hydrogen-electric engines for the Natilus Kona blended-wing-body (BWB) cargo aircraft. ZeroAvia’s ZA600 will be the sole hydrogen-electric propulsion source offered for the novel Kona short-haul feeder UAV, with the partnership focused on delivering zero-emission and lower cost operations.

Natilus recently validated the performance of the BWB design with flight testing of a quarter-scale Kona prototype aircraft, following three years of extensive wind-tunnel testing, while ZeroAvia has now conducted eight test flights of its prototype ZA600, 600kW engine in a 19-seat testbed aircraft.

ZeroAvia has already commenced flight testing of a 600kW prototype hydrogen-electric engine, which supports the development and certification of two initial engine classes: a 300-mile range in 9–19 seat aircraft by 2025, and up to 700-mile range in 40–80 seat aircraft by 2027. Based in the US and the UK, ZeroAvia has already secured experimental certificates for three prototype aircraft from the CAA and FAA.

In support of this effort, ZeroAvia also recently announced the creation of a hydrogen production facility at Birmingham Airport (BHX), featuring an on-site hydrogen production aircraft refueling facility, with the potential for multi-modal applications.  

Subject to funding, planning, and regulatory permissions being secured, the ambition would be to use the pioneering plant to support early flight demonstrations, and also refuel road vehicles, potentially including local buses. In advance of this, BHX has commenced talks with a major automotive company about trialing hydrogen buses and cars on its airfield.  

Why it’s important: The Natilus Kona, with its novel BWB design, offers increased volume for hydrogen storage, potentially transforming the air cargo delivery industry to one with low-cost, low carbon emissions, while also extending flight range. The partnership with ZeroAvia will leverage their expertise in hydrogen-electric powertrain technology with Natilus’ unique design to potentially create a scalable, long-range, and zero-emission air cargo delivery solution for the entire industry.

Related:

• Alaska Airlines Partners with ZeroAvia to Develop the World’s Largest Zero-Emission Aircraft
• ZeroAvia Achieves ‘Record-Breaking’ Hydrogen Fuel Cell Performance

Eve Air Mobility (“Eve”) (NYSE: EVEX, EVEXW), a leading player in the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) industry, has made significant strides in its testing phase as it moves closer to achieving key program milestones. Eve’s commitment to a building-blocks approach helps ensure the continuous enhancement of its technology and eVTOL aircraft, allowing for the delivery of a highly effective product to the market.

Eve Air Mobility, a spinoff from EmbraerX, is creating a unique eVTOL aircraft focused on efficiency, safety, low-noise profiles, and ultimately on making short-distance air travel more acccessible.

Eve recently completed propeller tests on its propeller rig in Brazil, focusing on measuring aerodynamic performance and sound properties for modeling and development purposes. The configuration and characteristics of propeller blades, such as torsion, shape, and quantity, are crucial in defining the vibration, load, and sound profile of the eVTOL. Additionally, they impact the energy requirements of the aircraft. By testing multiple models, Eve’s engineers are striving to enhance efficiency, reduce sound footprint, and lower operating costs.

Above: Eve truck testing rig, used for testing sound profiles and performance

In another significant development, Eve has commenced testing its vertical lift rotors on a specially designed truck-mounted platform. This mobile testbed aims to evaluate the performance of the rotors during the transition phase of flight. Eve’s engineering team is actively gathering data on the aerodynamic characteristics of the rotors in forward flight. The eVTOL by Eve employs a lift and cruise configuration, utilizing dedicated rotors for vertical flight and fixed wings for cruising. This configuration prioritizes safety, efficiency, reliability, and certifiability while simultaneously reducing operational costs and additional maintenance and repair expenses.

Alice Altissimo, the Vice President of Program Management and Operation at Eve, expressed satisfaction with the company’s program development activities thus far. Altissimo stated, “We are very pleased with our program development activities to date and making very good progress as we move toward the selection of primary suppliers and finalize the definition of our aircraft systems architecture. We continue to invest, and our team is working hard with the goal of developing a mature aircraft for certification and entry into service in 2026.”

Anticipating progress in the near future, Eve expects to finalize the selection of primary equipment suppliers in the first half of 2023. Subsequently, the company plans to commence the assembly of its first full-scale eVTOL prototype in the second half of 2023, followed by an extensive test campaign in 2024. Eve’s eVTOL is scheduled to achieve certification and enter service by 2026.

Collaborating with various partners, Eve is dedicated to accelerating the Urban Air Mobility ecosystem. Benefiting from a start-up mindset and backed by Embraer S.A.’s over 50-year history of aerospace expertise, Eve is taking a holistic approach to advancing the UAM ecosystem. Alongside its advanced eVTOL project, Eve provides a comprehensive global services and support network, as well as a unique air traffic management solution.

Why it’s important: By continuously enhancing its eVTOL technology through rigorous testing and collaborating with key partners, Eve is bringing its product closer to certification and commercialization. These developments signify the Eve’s commitment creating an eVTOL aircraft that can be certified in all parts of the world, and can be used to create reliable and versatile aerial mobility networks. By bringing its immense wealth of expertise to this new industry, Embraer’s Eve has immense potential to create an advanced and high-functioning aircraft, as well as the networks and software systems to help operate it.

Source // sUAS News, AAM international

Related:

• Kenya Airways to Purchase 40 Embraer EVE eVTOL Aircraft (June 2022)
• Ascent Partners with Embraer for 100 Eve eVTOLs (August 2021)
• FlyBIS to Purchase 40 eVTOLs from Eve (December 2022)
• EVE, Embraer-backed eVTOL startup, now trading on NYSE (July 2022)

Through partnerships with business jet and private helicopter operators ASL Group and Air-Dynamic SA, Lilium has sold up to eleven more of its initial production aircraft to these major charter companies.

On May 24th, Lilium signed an agreement with business jet operator ASL Group for the delivery of six Lilium Pioneer Edition Jets. The agreement includes deposit payments to Lilium.

With these aircraft, ASL intends to create a sustainable, high-speed transportation network connecting major hubs across Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Western Germany for its customers.

Philippe Bodson, owner and CEO of ASL Group said: “Our company is constantly seeking new ways to operate responsibly and contribute to a healthy future, both socially and ecologically. The Lilium Jet is a great opportunity to provide better value to our customers in a sustainable way. With zero operating emissions, vertical take-off landing capability, and a spacious premium cabin, Lilium represents the best option on the market.” 

ASL Group is one of Europe’s leading business jet management and operator companies, with offices and bases in most Belgian and Dutch airports. It currently manages and operates more than 45 aircraft, and is currently seeking new and innovative ways to serve its customers.

Air-Dynamic meanwhile, operates in Switzerland and Italy, and has signed an agreement for delivery of up to five Lilium Pioneer jets, which also included deposit payments.

Notably, Air-Dynamic already operates both helicopters and business jets in these areas with over 20 years of experience, making it a prime candidate for adoption of Lilium’s eVTOL jet. By owning and operating these aircraft, Air Dynamic SA hopes to capitalize on the high-end European business travel and tourism market.

Said Raffaella Meledandri, CEO of Air-Dynamic SA, “This partnership represents an important step for Air-Dynamic SA and the entire aviation industry. We are excited to work with Lilium to develop innovative and sustainable solutions for the future of aviation. The first project’s goal is to connect Lugano directly with Milan City Center and in parallel to establish a good connection in Italy for the most touristic destinations such as Lake Como and Capri.”

Currently, Air-Dynamic SA specializes in networked routes across Switzerland, Italy, Côte d’Azur, and French Alps. 

Why it’s important: Regional private jet and helicopter combination operators represent a prime and immediately applicable market for eVTOL aircraft with mid-range capabilities, such as the Lilium eVTOL. By purchasing these aircraft, operators can not only save on operating and maintenance costs, but can also offer their customers a unique and highly luxurious experience with this new kind of aircraft. Ultimately, these business models will also give Lilium and other eVTOL makers a chance to proof their viability and commercial feasibility, and build business towards expansion into more market segments.

Source // Lilium

Related:

• Lilium announces capital raise for up to $250 million (May 2023)
• Lilium and eVolare sign deal for up to 20 aircraft (December 2022)
• Lilium and Helity to Develop High Speed Electric Air Mobility Network in Southern Spain (August 2022)
• AAP Aviation to develop electric regional air mobility in Norway with the Lilium Jet (July 2022)
• Lilium Completes Transition from Hover to Winged Flight (June 2022)

Reliable Robotics has completed a series of flight tests in partnership with NASA to aid the FAA in the use of primary surveillance radar (PSR) data.

The tests were conducted on Reliable’s modified Cessna Grand Caravan at Travis Air Force Base and successfully demonstrated an autonomous taxi, takeoff, and landing. Reliable is currently developing an FAA STC for its remote pilot technology on the Caravan, but intends to make it available for other aircraft types in the future.

The tests were intended to demonstrate a high-precision, high-integrity navigation system that enables automatic takeoff and landing. More specifically demonstrating to the FAA their detect and avoid (DAA) capabilities. This technology helps to ensure safe distances between aircraft and minimize the risk of mid-air collisions. Successful demonstration of this software is on of the key hurdles needed to realize fully autonomous/remote pilot operations.

The test conducted with NASA involved feeding live radar data into a NASA facility and subjecting two aircraft to multiple encounter scenarios. These scenarios simulated approaching each other from different angles and speeds, simulating unintended near misses. Throughout the test, data from the FAA and DoD surveillance radar system was collected, alongside high-precision position information gathered onboard the aircraft. This data was subsequently cross-compared to evaluate the effectiveness of radar systems in ensuring separation.

Assuming successful outcomes, the end goal is to publish a formal paper that establishes the suitability of ground surveillance radar equipment as a vital component in solving the detect-and-avoid problem. This research holds promise for further enhancing aviation safety and paving the way for more advanced automation in the skies.

“Everything went the way that we expected,” said Robert Rose, CEO of Reliable Robotics. “There’s still a lot more work that needs to be done, but we were excited to kick this work off.”

Why it matters: Detect and Avoid software and collaboration with the FAA in the development of collision avoidance technologies will be of paramount importance for the long term success of fully autonomous aerial mobility platforms. Reliable’s work and eventual STC for the Cessna Caravan are steps in the right direct towards making remote piloting a reality.

Vertical Aerospace just announced that South Korean mobility technology company, Kakao Mobility, has pre-ordered up to 50 of Vertical’s VX4 aircraft, adding South Korea to Vertical’s list of customer launch markets.

Kakao Mobility, the largest Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) platform in South Korea with more than 30 million registered users, is the mobility subsidiary of South Korean internet giant, Kakao Corporation. Kakao Mobility runs the country’s most popular taxi-hailing app, Kakao T, providing taxi-hailing, designated driver booking, parking space search, and Kakao Navi app providing real-time traffic information services.

Vertical and Kakao Mobility will establish a Joint Working Group (JWG) to drive the commercialization of AAM services in South Korea, including the exploration of network and fleet planning, infrastructure requirements, regulatory development, and consumer awareness of eVTOL mobility solutions.

This JWG builds on Vertical’s existing consortium partnership with Kakao Mobility, LG Uplus, GS E&C, and the continued engagement with Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, for the K-UAM Grand Challenge (K-UAM GC).

Stephen Fitzpatrick, Vertical’s Founder and CEO, said “We are delighted to be partnering with Kakao Mobility. With its over 30 million registered users, Kakao Mobility is the go-to choice to ‘hail a ride’ and with our partnership, we look forward to people across South Korea being able to fly in a VX4 in the years to come. We are thrilled to be working together to make our joint vision a reality’.”

Alex Ryu, CEO of Kakao Mobility commented, “Kakao Mobility is the leading mobility platform and in an AI-enabled world with needs for faster, eco-friendly means of moving, we understand that UAM will be a game-changer in the near future. We are excited to take part in Vertical Aerospace’s mission to launch its VX4 globally and to bring an UAM service to Korean market. We will be expanding our business not only on the ground but to the sky through this partnership. As a consolidated mobility platform, Kakao Mobility will develop the “De Facto Standard” for UAM services. We look forward to collaborating closely to complete the K-UAM Grand Challenge successfully and into commercialization shortly after K-UAM GC.”

Vertical already has strong ties to South Korea with Hanwha, a key partner for the VX4 certification aircraft. Vertical is leveraging Hanwha’s four decades of industrial expertise to collaborate on the development and supply of actuator systems for the VX4.

Related:

• Vertical Aerospace moves towards Certification with VX4 eVTOL Aircraft
• Marubeni Pre-Orders 25 Aircraft from Vertical Aerospace, Conducts Proof of Concept Operations in Osaka
• Vertical to Partner with Babcock for Development of eVTOL EMS Applications

Why it’s important: South Korea is one of the largest economies in the world and is home to globally leading technology companies. Seoul, as well as other regions including Busan, is expected to have a significant Urban Air Mobility (UAM) market potential. The agreement with Kakao Mobility marks Vertical’s first partnership with a mobility technology company, enabling Vertical to leverage their existing customer base and vehicle network to create a seamless air-to-ground passenger journey and UAM ecosystem in the country.

Blade Air Mobility announced today that they have entered into an agreement with Newport Helipad to operate and revitalize the Newport Helistop, denoted 91NJ, located in Newport, Jersey City, New Jersey. This area is one of the largest and most successful mixed-use communities on the Hudson River waterfront, and the agreement is subject to the execution of definitive documentation.

Blade plans to manage and operate the Helistop on behalf of Newport for both Blade flights and third-party operations. The Helistop is located on the Hudson River waterfront, approximately 3,800 feet from Manhattan. “All large communities will need an urban air mobility strategy to bolster their attractiveness to corporations and residents alike in an increasingly competitive market,” said Nate Alexander, Blade’s Senior Director, Rotorcraft Operations. Notably, this agreement will help to demonstrate the proper processes and working relationships required to safely grow urban air mobility in the greater New York City metropolitan area using conventional aircraft today, while preparing for the deployment of aerial mobility aircraft in the future.

Under the agreement, Blade will begin a pilot program for charter flights and explore the viability of the first-ever scheduled, by-the-seat service between the Helistop and local New York City area airports and heliports; the program will provide a convenient travel option for commuters, particularly for Newport tenants and employees of major banks and corporations that maintain large office presences around the Helistop. A flight from the Helistop to JFK Airport will take approximately 5 minutes versus up to 2 ½ hours by car.

In an effort to mitigate any potential noise impact on the neighboring communities, only helicopter flights for public transportation or emergency services will be permitted at the Helistop. Tourist flights, as well as helicopter operators who violate the New York City Economic Development Corporation’s designated noise abatement routing for tourist flights along the New Jersey and New York City Hudson River corridor, will not be allowed to utilize the Helistop.

The agreement will also provide Blade with the opportunity to construct an exclusive-use, Blade branded terminal at the Helistop to facilitate safe and efficient operations for Blade flights and provide lounge amenities for Blade fliers.

Why it’s important: This agreement is the first of its kind in 13 years in the NYC area, as opening new or reopening existing heliports and vertical aircraft operation locations requires a large amount of coordination and approvals. BLADE’s ability to successfully execute this deal serves as a case study for future expansions in the area. Further, it underscores the types of working relationships needed for continuing growth as additional routes come to fruition for advanced aerial mobility deployment and the continuing commercialization of last-mile urban transportation, thereby relieving road congestion and reducing carbon emissions.

Doroni Aerospace, Inc., a startup in the aerial mobility industry, is making an innovative 2-seater eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft). The company recently announced the launch of its Series A Reg D funding round, providing investors with an online platform to participate in this investment opportunity. This marks a significant milestone for Doroni as it propels the development and growth of its cutting-edge technology.

Doroni Aerospace has witnessed tremendous success over the past six months, including the completion of an impressive 53 successful test flights and raising $3.6 million through equity crowdfunding from over 1,900 investors. The latest Reg D investment round plays a crucial role in the company’s journey towards obtaining official certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Doroni plans to initiate deliveries of the first units sold in the second half of 2025.

With the closing of the Series A Reg D Offering, Doroni Aerospace is embarking on the next phase of its mission to change personal mobility and transportation. This development ushers in a new chapter for the company, enabling it to further develop its mobility platform, attract new partners and investors, and scale its operations.

“This offering represents a significant milestone in our endeavor to revolutionize the aviation and personal mobility industry. By pushing the boundaries of technology, we aim to provide our customers with unparalleled convenience and sustainability, setting new benchmarks for the transportation segment,” said Yaakov Werdiger, COO of Doroni Aerospace.

Despite raising less than the industry standard funding thus far, Doroni Aerospace has achieved remarkable success in its operations. According to the company, this achievement is a testament to the team’s agility and strategy. Consequently, Doroni now positions itself favorably in the eyes of potential investors, showcasing its ability to maximize resources and deliver on investment resources.

Doroni Aerospace’s flagship product, the H1, a two-seater personal eVTOL, is currently available for pre-order and has already begun receiving deposits. With an estimated starting retail price of $250,000, the H1 will offer individuals a unique opportunity to own, fly, and store their own eVTOL in a standard two-car garage. The aircraft qualifies for the light sport category, allowing owner operators to complete a 20-hour training course provided by the company, in order to begin flying.

“We are thrilled by the extraordinary success of our flight tests, which have truly demonstrated the immense capabilities of the Doroni eVTOL. We are resolute in our mission to revolutionize personal transportation, creating innovative and cutting-edge solutions that will reshape our interactions with space and beyond,” said Doron Merdinger, CEO, and Founder of Doroni Aerospace.

Doroni Aerospace is also receiving the support of Space Florida, a state agency dedicated to preserving Florida’s leading position in the global aerospace industry. Space Florida is actively assisting Doroni in expanding its operations by providing land, facilities, and tooling. Tony Gannon, VP Research & Innovation, and Matt Chesnut, VP Business and Economic Development, serve as close collaborators and fervent supporters of Doroni’s vision.

Why it’s important: Doroni’s innovative 2-seater eVTOL and its success in test flights and fundraising exemplify the potential of the private-ownership segment for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. By providing accredited investors with an opportunity to participate in Doroni’s growth, the new investment not only signifies a major milestone for the company but also showcases the viability and attractiveness of the private eVTOL market. According to the company, Doroni’s advancements in technology, coupled with its commitment to sustainability and convenience, can inspire other companies in the small-aircraft aerial mobility sector. The success of Doroni Aerospace in revolutionizing personal mobility further accelerates the overall progress and development of the aerial mobility industry, bringing us closer to a future where flying cars and sustainable transportation options become a reality worldwide.

Source // Globe Newswire, Doroni

In a groundbreaking move towards the future of aerial mobility, the United States announced on May 16th the formation of a dedicated team tasked with establishing a comprehensive national strategy for the integration of flying air taxis into the transportation ecosystem. This initiative ultimately aims to transform the way many people commute, reducing congestion and providing faster and more efficient transportation options.

The new team, composed of experts from NASA, the Transportation Security Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Communications Commission, will collaborate closely with other government agencies, industry leaders, and stakeholders to define the regulatory framework, safety standards, infrastructure requirements, and operational guidelines for the deployment of eVTOL air taxis across the United States.

As reported in the press release issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation, this initiative aligns with the government’s vision of fostering innovation and emerging technologies to address the challenges of urban transportation. By bringing together key players from both the public and private sectors, the team will work towards shaping a sustainable and accessible aerial mobility ecosystem.

Through this announcement, the DOT has stated that it’s first goal is to work with the public and stakeholders to understand “ the critical issues of importance in drafting a national AAM strategy”. In particular, they seek to develop a multi-step plan for the 2 year, 4-8 year, and 8 year plus marks to overcome barriers and assist in integrating this new mode of transportation into existing networks and cities.

This announcement follows several headlines from major airlines like American, United, and Delta, who have announced partnerships to begin operating these new kinds of urban eVTOL aircraft between city centers and airports. Additionally, the U.S government has also already made efforts in partnership with companies like Joby Aviation to help these new aircraft reach certification. Learn more about these partnerships on TransportUP.com.

Above: Image from Urban Airspace Mapping program chosen by NASA

Why it’s important: The successful integration of air taxis into existing transportation networks will require collaborative efforts from all stakeholders involved. By creating a cohesive national strategy, the U.S. can to streamline the regulatory processes, ensure public safety, and maximize the potential benefits of this emerging technology sooner rather than later.

Although programs have already been established in several departments of the U.S government like the FAA and NASA, this new team announces a overall coordinated team on the national level to begin implementing this technology. The formation of the signals the strength of the Biden Administration’s belief in the potential of this technology.

Related:

• Joby Completes Second Stage of Certification Process (February 2023)
• Archer and United to Fly eVTOL Route in Chicago Starting in 2025 (March 2023)
• American Airlines Solidifies Delivery Slots for Vertical Aerospace eVTOL Aircraft (July 2022)
• FAA Releases New Concept of Operations for Aerial Mobility (May 2023

Source // Reuters, Avfoil

Merlin has achieved first stage of involvement (SOI 1) with the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand and has obtained an approved Plan for Software Aspects of Certification (PSAC).

The Boston-headquartered company is currently developing autonomous fixed-wing aircraft with its commercial offering Merlin Pilot. Merlin is one of the only takeoff to touchdown automation software suites available to retrofit on existing aircraft. The company has been testing its software on a modified Cessna 208B Grand Caravan in Alaska, New Zealand, and the Mojave desert.

Merlin intends to pursue a concurrent validation pathway with the FAA under the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement between the United States and New Zealand. Following a final, successful evaluation from the CAA, Merlin’s software will be considered DO-178C compliant. The DO-178C, or Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification is the primary document by which global certification authorities approve all commercial software-based aerospace systems.

“We have been working hand-in-hand with the CAA and achieving the SOI 1 regulatory milestone allows us to rapidly, safely, and effectively integrate the Merlin Pilot into our skies, transforming the way goods and people move around the world. SOI 1 is the critical step of this process and we’re proud to be the first to accomplish this stage of certification progress,” said Matthew George, co-founder and CEO, Merlin. “We will continue to undergo rigorous evaluations by the CAA ensuring that we’re following the plans set forth in SOI 1, and we’re excited to responsibly bring the Merlin Pilot to certification. We’re confident that with each SOI we achieve we will set a strong foundation for FAA validation of the CAA’s certification processes, delegations, and organizational approval system.”

Why it matters: Introducing autonomy onto an existing aircraft platforms offer a glimpse into future aerial mobility technology capabilities. Merlin’s certification strategy may have a big pay off and allow it to be one of the first certified DO-178C compliant fully autonmous software suites for aircraft.

Source: Merlin Press Release

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