Results for: zeva
Astro Aerospace Elroy
Quick SummaryAstro Aerospace's Elroy is a short distance, all-electric multicopter, powered by 8 independent electric motors each with dual rotors. The Elroy has foreseeable uses in agriculture, recreation, and personal transportation. Having already completed many flight tests, reservations for the Elroy are available on its website.CompanyAstro Aerospace CEOProduct NameAstro Aerospace, based in Oxnard, CABruce BentElroyStage of Development Preliminary DesignPrototype BuildFlight TestingCertificationCommercially...

Astro Aerospace Elroy

Quick Summary
Astro Aerospace's Elroy is a short distance, all-electric multicopter, powered by 8 independent electric motors each with dual rotors. The Elroy has foreseeable uses in agriculture, recreation, and personal transportation. Having already completed many flight tests, reservations for the Elroy are available on its website.
Astro Aerospace, based in Oxnard, CA
Bruce Bent
Elroy
Stage of Development
Preliminary Design
Technical Details
Aircraft Type: Wingless VTOL
Powerplant: All-Electric
Range: 18 miles
Top Speed: 45 mph
Propeller Configuration: 8 tilting electric motor/propeller pairs
Passenger/Payload Capacity: 1 Pilot + 1 Passenger or 260 lb payload
Autonomy Level: Pilot-Assistance
Wingspan/Dimensions: Undisclosed
Our Take on the Astro Elroy
The Astro Elroy has one unique advantage over many other eVTOLs of the same category – it's been flight tested for over a year. This achievement is fantastic for Astro Aeronautics, but the next hurdle - the regulatory one - is looming in front of the company. If Astro can successfully navigate a path to certification with the FAA, then the Elroy has a great chance of becoming a profitable endeavor. Notably, Astro is already public on the U.S stock market with the ticker 'ASDN', and reservations for the aircraft are available through its website. Since posting several videos in 2018 of the prototype's flight tests, not much news has recently come from Astro.
Aurora XV-24A LightningStrike (Archived)
Quick SummaryThe Aurora LightningStrike is being developed by Aurora Flight Sciences in Manassas, Virginia. The LightningStrike is a military variant of Aurora's VTOL projects.CompanyCEOProduct NameAurora Flight Sciences, based in Manassas, VA, USA.John LangfordXV-24A LightningStrikeStage of DevelopmentPreliminary DesignPrototype BuildFlight TestingCertificationCommercially OperatingTechnical DetailsAircraft Type: Intercity VTOL Powerplant: Undisclosed, hybrid electric Range: Undisclosed Top Speed: > 300 KCAS Propeller Configuration: 24 ducted fans...

Aurora XV-24A LightningStrike (Archived)

Quick Summary
The Aurora LightningStrike is being developed by Aurora Flight Sciences in Manassas, Virginia. The LightningStrike is a military variant of Aurora's VTOL projects.
Stage of Development
Preliminary Design
Technical Details
Aircraft Type: Intercity VTOL
Powerplant: Undisclosed, hybrid electric
Range: Undisclosed
Top Speed: > 300 KCAS
Propeller Configuration: 24 ducted fans
Passenger/Payload Capacity: 0 (autonomous)
Autonomy Level: Autonomous
Wingspan/Dimensions: >60ft
Product Overview
LightningStrike is the first aircraft in history designed to demonstrate the following:
- Distributed hybrid-electric propulsion ducted fans
- Innovative synchronous electric-drive system
- Both tilt wing and canard for vertical take-off and landing
- High efficiency in both hover and high-speed forward flight
Program Background
- Created by Aurora Flight Sciences and partners Rolls-Royce and Honeywell
- Developed for the Vertical Take-Off and Landing Experimental Aircraft (VTOL X-Plane) program
- Funding from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
Additional Information:
Fuselage length | > 38 ft | 11.8 m |
Overall height | ~14 ft | 4.3 m |
Wingspan | > 60 ft | > 18.2 m |
Tip-to-tip distance | > 60 ft | > 18.2 m |
Empty weight | ~ 11,375 lb | ~ 5.16 t |
Max gross takeoff wt | <13,000 lb | < 5.9 t |
Useful load | ~ 1,625 lb | ~ 737 kg |
Cruise speed | > 300 kt | >555 km/h |
Propulsors | 24 ducted fans | |
Motor output | 18x 168 hp + 6x 121 hp | 18x 125 kW + 6x 90 kW |
Power type | hybrid electric | |
Passenger capacity | 0 | |
First Flight | 2018 |
Our Take on the LightningStrike
Aurora Flight Sciences has a large pool of resources at its disposal - even more so following Boeing's purchase of AFS in November of 2017. The LightningStrike concept was a conscientious effort to corner not just the civilian eVTOL/VTOL market, but also the future of military VTOL applications. The LightningStrike completed sub-scale proof of concept test flights before being officially discontinued by AFS.
References
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September 24, 2023Autonomous Y6S
Quick SummaryThe Autonomous Y6S is an eVTOL being developed in London by Martin Warner and his Autonomous Flight Team. The Y6S is proposed to make its first test flight in Q4 of 2018 and its first manned flight in 2019.CompanyCEOProduct NameAutonomous Flight, based in London, UKMartin WarnerY6SStage of DevelopmentPreliminary DesignPrototype BuildFlight TestingCertificationCommercially OperatingTechnical DetailsAircraft Type: Intercity VTOL, moveable wing Powerplant:...

Autonomous Y6S

Quick Summary
The Autonomous Y6S is an eVTOL being developed in London by Martin Warner and his Autonomous Flight Team. The Y6S is proposed to make its first test flight in Q4 of 2018 and its first manned flight in 2019.
Stage of Development
Preliminary Design
Technical Details
Aircraft Type: Intercity VTOL, moveable wing
Powerplant: Electric ducted fans
Range: 80 miles
Top Speed: 70 mph
Propeller Configuration: 2 rotating , 1 fixed EDF
Passenger/Payload Capacity: 2 passengers
Autonomy Level: Piloted w/ Semi-Autonomy
Wingspan/Dimensions: undisclosed
Our Take on the Y6S
The Y6S is Autonomous Flight's main project and is slated to make its first flight manned test flight by the end of 2020 (though their website states Q2 2020). The first unmanned test flight was completed in Q4 of 2019. The Y6S features a robust design, and the performance figures shared by Autonomous Flight reflect reasonable standards/assumptions of today's out of the box performance numbers with existing technologies. Autonomous has attracted a reasonable amount of media attention with their concept, and maintains a Prototype Launch Day distribution list for notification of when the launch of their aircraft will occur.
References
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September 24, 2023Skylys Airspeeder
Quick SummaryAirspeeder AO is the first 100% electric and amphibious motorized vehicle without any visible engine system or propellers. The prototype has been conceived and handmade by the team of 20 PhDs, engineers and industrial designers from all over the world – France, Canada, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Dubai and the US. The company unveiled its prototype in December of 2019...

Skylys Airspeeder

Quick Summary
Airspeeder AO is the first 100% electric and amphibious motorized vehicle without any visible engine system or propellers. The prototype has been conceived and handmade by the team of 20 PhDs, engineers and industrial designers from all over the world – France, Canada, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Dubai and the US. The company unveiled its prototype in December of 2019 and plans to conduct flight testing in the Pacific Ocean.
Stage of Development
Preliminary Design
Technical Details
Aircraft Type: Winged VTOL
Powerplant: All-Electric
Range: 93 miles
Top Speed: 100-150 mph
Propeller Configuration: Electric motors with ducted fans
Passenger/Payload Capacity: 1-3 passengers
Autonomy Level: Piloted
Wingspan/Dimensions: 10ft wingspan, 4.3ft height
Our Take on the Airspeeder AO
The Airspeeder AO is a unique concept with the first propulsive platform not visible from exterior. No photos/videos to date released have shown this concept in action, expect to see more as flight testing continues on and larger scale prototypes are developed.
References
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September 24, 2023Samad Starling Jet
Quick SummaryThe Starling Jet is being designed and produced in by Samad Aerospace in Bedfordshire, United Kingdom. Samad Aerospace is fully electric and boasts the quiet performance and luxury of its concept.CompanyCEOProduct NameSamad Aerospace, located in Bedfordshire, UKDr. Seyed M. MohseniStarling JetStage of DevelopmentPreliminary DesignPrototype BuildFlight TestingCertificationCommercially OperatingTechnical DetailsAircraft Type: VTOL with Fixed Wing, Intercity Powerplant: Three electric jet engines fixed...

Samad Starling Jet

Quick Summary
The Starling Jet is being designed and produced in by Samad Aerospace in Bedfordshire, United Kingdom. Samad Aerospace is fully electric and boasts the quiet performance and luxury of its concept.
Stage of Development
Preliminary Design
Technical Details
Aircraft Type: VTOL with Fixed Wing, Intercity
Powerplant: Three electric jet engines fixed above the wings and tail.
Range: 900-1500 miles
Top Speed: 460mph
Propeller Configuration: The fuselage opens sliding hatches for two fixed vertical propellers and engines fixed on the wings extend cowlings that angle 90 degrees down for four VTOL points of thrust
Passenger/Payload Capacity: 10 occupants
Autonomy Level: Piloted with plans for autonomy in the future
Wingspan/Dimensions: undisclosed
Our Take on the Starling Jet
The Starling Jet, part of a larger initiative by Samad Aerospace which is creating a fleet of eVTOLs/hybrid VTOLs, is the flagship of the fleet, aiming to provide door-to-door regional transportation. The goal of the Starling Jet is to replace traditional aircraft for journeys under 1000nm, in order to eliminate the need for 'last mile' ground transportation between airports and final destinations, which could greatly reduce overall trip times. Aircraft seeking to fulfill similar market segments include the XTI Tri-Fan, the Pegasus Universal Aerospace Vertical Business Jet, and the Transcend Air Vy400.
References
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September 24, 2023Penn State University Blue Sparrow
Quick SummaryThe Penn State University Blue Sparrow was a Phase 1 winner of the Boeing sponsored GoFly competition, receiving $20,000 to continue advancing their eVTOL design.Stage of DevelopmentPreliminary DesignPrototype BuildFlight TestingCertificationCommercially OperatingTechnical DetailsThe PSU team compiled a spec sheet for the Blue Sparrow:Aircraft Type: VTOL, no fixed wing Powerplant: battery-powered Range: at least 20 miles Top Speed: Unspecified Propeller Configuration: Y6 configuration,...

Penn State University Blue Sparrow

Quick Summary
The Penn State University Blue Sparrow was a Phase 1 winner of the Boeing sponsored GoFly competition, receiving $20,000 to continue advancing their eVTOL design.
Stage of Development
Preliminary Design
Technical Details
The PSU team compiled a spec sheet for the Blue Sparrow:

Aircraft Type: VTOL, no fixed wing
Powerplant: battery-powered
Range: at least 20 miles
Top Speed: Unspecified
Propeller Configuration: Y6 configuration, which arranges a set of six motors and rotors in three stacked coaxial pairs, with each pair at the end of a Y-shaped frame.
Passenger/Payload Capacity: 1 passenger/pilot
Autonomy Level: piloted
Wingspan/Dimensions: Unspecified
Additional Information
Commentary from the PSU press release:
“We entered the competition because this was a very interesting and unique aircraft design project, but also because academically, it would be a great opportunity for the students in our aircraft design class and for our graduate students,” said Langelaan. “We’ve reached a point where improvements in batteries, electric motors and electronic speed controllers have enabled new aircraft configurations. We’re excited to begin Phase II.”
To satisfy the desire for mechanical simplicity and low technical risk, and with an emphasis on maximum pilot safety, Blue Sparrow chose a battery-powered multirotor configuration for its vehicle, specifically a Y6 configuration, which arranges a set of six motors and rotors in three stacked coaxial pairs, with each pair at the end of a Y-shaped frame. Each motor will have independent electronic speed control.
“We chose this configuration because it provides good controllability and reduces the power required to fly within the size constraints imposed by the competition,” said Langelaan. “The Y6 also provides redundancy, so we can maintain safe flight even if a motor fails. And with the motors positioned above the pilot and the battery below the pilot, we create a virtual cage that protects the pilot.”
“We will specifically design the flight control system to be multiply redundant and to achieve three main goals: to place primary responsibility for safe flight on the pilot, to minimize the sensing required for safe flight under normal operation, and to enable control augmentation for flight training,” said Langelaan. “The system should perform well under all combinations of motor/rotor degradation/failure and a wide range of changes in the vehicle, including payload weight, density altitude, and loss rigidity due to a fault.”
Our Take on the Blue Sparrow
The Penn State University successfully won Phase 1 of the GoFly competition - something that only 9 other teams worldwide can claim. The team is currently working on building their first prototype; check back in for updates from Phase 2 of the GoFly competition.
References
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September 24, 2023PAVX
Quick SummaryPAV-X designed this 12-propeller wingless eVTOL for the purpose of transporting individuals short distances or as a recreational vehicle. It features a large cockpit canopy with an impressive field of view, and was designed to rely on either an all-electric or hybrid-electric powerplant. PAV-X has since established itself as a new company under the name of Espirit Aeronautics and...

PAVX

Quick Summary
PAV-X designed this 12-propeller wingless eVTOL for the purpose of transporting individuals short distances or as a recreational vehicle. It features a large cockpit canopy with an impressive field of view, and was designed to rely on either an all-electric or hybrid-electric powerplant. PAV-X has since established itself as a new company under the name of Espirit Aeronautics and a new version of its eVTOL, named the Lancer ePAV, is currently under development.

Stage of Development
Preliminary Design
Technical Details
Aircraft Type: Wingless VTOL
Powerplant: All-Electric or Hybrid-Electric
Range: Undisclosed
Top Speed: Undisclosed
Propeller Configuration: six (6) sets of two (2) propellers each; Three blades per propeller
Passenger/Payload Capacity: Single Pilot/Passenger
Autonomy Level: Piloted
Dimensions: 10 ft width; 10 ft height; 6 ft length
Other Information:
Weight: 370 lb (dry); 617 lb (RTF)
Endurance: 15 min (battery); 75 min (hybrid)
Our Take on PAVX
PAV-X has a sleek design, reasonable performance estimates, and a great looking mockup of their prototype - yet profitability may be a concern considering that their PAVX only carries one person. The company may be aiming for the luxury high-end market where they mainly adopt a B2C structure, but scalability would seem to mandate a commercially applicable platform. As of September 2018, the company closed and a new company called Esprit Aeronautics Limited was established in October 2018.
References
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September 24, 2023Cartivator SkyDrive
Quick SummaryThe Cartivator SkyDrive is being developed in Toyota, Japan, with a business base in Tokyo. The group is volunteer-oriented, utilizing donated equipment to pull together their flying car concept design.CompanyProduct NameCartivator, based in Tokyo, JapanSkyDriveStage of DevelopmentPreliminary DesignPrototype BuildFlight TestingCertificationCommercially OperatingTechnical DetailsAircraft Type: Intercity VTOL, no fixed wing Powerplant: Battery powered electric motor Range: Unspecified, but likely within intercity range Top...

Cartivator SkyDrive

Quick Summary
The Cartivator SkyDrive is being developed in Toyota, Japan, with a business base in Tokyo. The group is volunteer-oriented, utilizing donated equipment to pull together their flying car concept design.
Stage of Development
Preliminary Design
Technical Details
Aircraft Type: Intercity VTOL, no fixed wing
Powerplant: Battery powered electric motor
Range: Unspecified, but likely within intercity range
Top Speed: 100kmph
Propeller Configuration: Two forward and two aft VTOL propellers extended beyond and below the fuselage sides
Passenger/Payload Capacity: 2 passengers
Autonomy Level: Autonomous
Wingspan/Dimensions: 3.6 m long X 1.1 m high X 3.1 m wide
Additional Information
Length | 9.51 ft | 2.9 m |
Height | 3.6 ft | 1.1 m |
Width | 4.26 ft | 1.3 m |
Flight Altitude (Target) | ~32.8 ft | ~10 m |
Maximum Flight Speed (Target) | 62.1 mph | 100 km/h |
Maximum Driving Speed (Target) | 93.2 mph | 150 km/h |
Our Take on the SkyDrive
The SkyDrive has support from the local community in Toyota, Japan with a business headquarters in Tokyo. The Cartivator website states:
“Cartivator is organized by a group of young volunteers who work in the automotive and aviation industries as well as a startup company. Our mission is “Connecting dreams to the next generation through mobility”. Our team consists of people with diverse professional backgrounds and are working hard every weekend towards developing the flying car. We aim to build a prototype, establish theory of flight control, as well as form alliances with major corporations to make mass production of the flying car a reality.”
References
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September 24, 2023Aston Martin Volante Vision
Quick SummaryThe Aston Martin Volante Vision is a four-rotored ducted fan eVTOL that can cruise at turboprop speeds at almost 30,000 feet - and features futuristic aerodynamic styling as well. The concept is likely over 10 years away from implementation, but is an acknowledgement of Aston Martin’s interest in establishment within the luxury segment of the aerial mobility industry.CompanyProduct NameSupervolant,...

Aston Martin Volante Vision

Quick Summary
The Aston Martin Volante Vision is a four-rotored ducted fan eVTOL that can cruise at turboprop speeds at almost 30,000 feet - and features futuristic aerodynamic styling as well. The concept is likely over 10 years away from implementation, but is an acknowledgement of Aston Martin’s interest in establishment within the luxury segment of the aerial mobility industry.
Stage of Development
Preliminary Design
Technical Details
Our Take on the Volante Vision Concept
Aircraft Type: Winged VTOL
Powerplant: Hybrid graphene, hydrogen fuel cell drive
Range: 805 km; 550 mi
Top Speed: 330 kts
Propeller Configuration: four forward, two rear
Passenger/Payload Capacity: 3 passengers; one front, two rear
Autonomy Level: Autonomous or partially-piloted
Wingspan/Dimensions: Undisclosed
Other information:
Cruise speed | 402 km/hr | 250 mph |
Max cruise altitude | 29,000 feet (above most weather) | ~9 km |
Range | 550 mi | 805 km |
Propulsion | 6 electric motors (4 forward propellers, 2 rear propellers) | |
Energy | Rolls-Royce hybrid electric | |
Charge and fuel time | 15 minutes | |
Flight controls | Fly-by-wire | |
Take-off and landing space (diameter) | 98 feet | 30 meters |
Time to maximum altitude | ~10 minutes |
The Volante Vision has been conceptualized as a research and development platform by SuperVolant, so no timeline has been released regarding an actual flight test or certification plan. However, in order to validate theoretical models, the company will at some point be required to build a prototype and prove its concept. The prototype leverages the Aston Martin brand awareness and may be indicative of the next generation of Aston Martin vehicles (both land-based and aerial). This being said, the luxury finishings and stylization lend this aircraft to be less suitable for widespread commercial operations to the average consumer. Instead, it would likely fill a niche for a premium service offered to high-paying passengers. Check back in for more updates in the future.
References:
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September 24, 2023Pterodynamics Transwing
Quick SummaryThe Pterodynamics Transwing is an eVTOl that utilizes a foldable wing to land in confined spaces. The wing then folds out for sustained and accelerated forward flight.CompanyCEOProduct NamePterodynamicsMatthew GraczykTranswingStage of DevelopmentPreliminary DesignPrototype BuildFlight TestingCertificationCommercially OperatingTechnical DetailsAircraft Type: Winged VTOL Powerplant: All-electric Range: 20 miles Top Speed: 70 knots Propeller Configuration: 4 tiltrotors Passenger/Payload Capacity: TBD Autonomy Level: Remote Pilot Controlled Dimensions: 2 ft wingspan, 2.8...

Pterodynamics Transwing

Quick Summary
The Pterodynamics Transwing is an eVTOl that utilizes a foldable wing to land in confined spaces. The wing then folds out for sustained and accelerated forward flight.
Stage of Development
Preliminary Design
Technical Details
Aircraft Type: Winged VTOL
Powerplant: All-electric
Range: 20 miles
Top Speed: 70 knots
Propeller Configuration: 4 tiltrotors
Passenger/Payload Capacity: TBD
Autonomy Level: Remote Pilot Controlled
Dimensions: 2 ft wingspan, 2.8 ft length
Our Take on the Transwing
According PteroDynamics, performance figures will be backed by their 12-foot scale model of the prototype that they plan to build and test, however no expected dates are available at this time. The core advantage of the Transwing, according to Pterodynamics, is the "multicoptor" configuration that then shifts to a conventional aircraft configuration for increased range and speed.
Transwing's success is largely dependent on whether the 12 foot prototype can be scaled effectively to a full-size model and maintain the performance expectations that have been established thus far.
References
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September 24, 2023SkyPod eVTOL
Quick SummaryThe SkyPod eVTOL is being developed in New York City, NY, by SkyPod Aerospace Corporation.CompanyProduct NameSkypod, a NYC, NY, USA CorporationSkyPodStage of DevelopmentPreliminary DesignPrototype BuildFlight TestingCertificationCommercially OperatingTechnical DetailsAircraft Type: Wingless VTOL Powerplant: All-Electric Range: Undisclosed Top Speed: Undisclosed Propeller Configuration: 6 ducted propellers; two lateral propellers are more than twice the diameter of the ducts fore and aft Passenger/Payload Capacity: One Pilot; At least 5...

SkyPod eVTOL

Quick Summary
The SkyPod eVTOL is being developed in New York City, NY, by SkyPod Aerospace Corporation.

Stage of Development
Preliminary Design
Technical Details
Aircraft Type: Wingless VTOL
Powerplant: All-Electric
Range: Undisclosed
Top Speed: Undisclosed
Propeller Configuration: 6 ducted propellers; two lateral propellers are more than twice the diameter of the ducts fore and aft
Passenger/Payload Capacity: One Pilot; At least 5 Passengers
Autonomy Level: Piloted
Dimensions: Undisclosed
Other Information:
Operations and Logistics: Not only is Skypod One developing an airworthy vehicle, but the company also seeks to fully operate a commercial network of its air taxis. "Skypods won’t be located at the airports but closer to places where you live and work. Use one of our ridesharing partners to get to one. There will be two options – either you can catch a regularly scheduled service or book an individual eVTOL."
Our Take on SkyPod
Skypod One is currently focused on navigating many of the well-known, difficult regulation obstacles associated with flying, testing, and certifying a commercial air taxi service. The company has said that we can expect initial flights of its eVTOL as soon as 2021, though no public information is available regarding the specifications of its vehicle less what can be assumed from current renderings. As Skypod One develops necessary ground infrastructure and acquires mandatory certification to launch its service in the Bay Area, TransportUP will update its prospectus.
References
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September 24, 2023Texas A&M University Harmony Aria
Quick SummaryTexas A&M University Harmony's Aria was a winner of the Boeing sponsored GoFly competition Phase 1 and Phase 2. The Harmony team received $20,000 for winning Phase I and an additional $50,000 for winning Phase II. Team's Description The Aria is a high-TRL compact rotorcraft designed to minimize noise and maximize efficiency, safety, reliability, and flight experience. Stage of...

Texas A&M University Harmony Aria

Quick Summary
Texas A&M University Harmony's Aria was a winner of the Boeing sponsored GoFly competition Phase 1 and Phase 2. The Harmony team received $20,000 for winning Phase I and an additional $50,000 for winning Phase II.
Team's DescriptionThe Aria is a high-TRL compact rotorcraft designed to minimize noise and maximize efficiency, safety, reliability, and flight experience.
Stage of Development
Preliminary Design
Technical Details
Aircraft Type: VTOL, no fixed wing
Powerplant: Unspecified
Range: at least 20 miles
Top Speed: Unspecified
Propeller Configuration: Two propellers
Passenger/Payload Capacity: 1 passenger
Autonomy Level: Unspecified
Wingspan/Dimensions: Unspecified
Additional Information
The Texas A&M University (TAMU) Harmony was a winner of Phase 1 of the GoFly competition, placing it among 9 other winning teams as one of the most innovative solutions to personal vertical urban transport.
Our Take on Harmony
The harmony features a unique design - counter-rotating propellers at the bottom of the craft that provide lift. The user is stationed within the center of harmony, and thus protected from the rotors. Because limited technical details have been released on Harmony, TransportUP does not have a prospectus at this time. Keep track of Phase 2 of the GoFly competition for a gauge of the Harmony teams' progress.
References
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Cyclorotor Conducts First Flight of Unique Unmanned Aircraft Configuration
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September 24, 2023FAA authorizes Zipline for initial BVLOS drone operations
September 24, 2023Terrafugia TF-2
Quick SummaryThe Terrafugia TF-2 is a cargo-carrying eVTOL that is modular, allowing for a cargo pod to be picked up from a fulfillment center and then dropped off on either a truck or the packages' final destination. Terrafugia was acquired by Geely in 2017 and is working towards a new prototype.CompanyCEOProduct NameTerrafugia - GeelyChao JingTF-2 Stage of DevelopmentPreliminary DesignPrototype BuildFlight...

Terrafugia TF-2

Quick Summary
The Terrafugia TF-2 is a cargo-carrying eVTOL that is modular, allowing for a cargo pod to be picked up from a fulfillment center and then dropped off on either a truck or the packages' final destination. Terrafugia was acquired by Geely in 2017 and is working towards a new prototype.
Stage of Development
Preliminary Design
Technical Details
Aircraft Type: Winged VTOL
Powerplant: All-electric
Range: 170-215 nm
Top Speed: 315-333 km/hr
Propeller Configuration: Lift + Push
Passenger/Payload Capacity: 4
Autonomy Level: Semi-Autonomous
Dimensions: 14.8 feet wingspan
Our Take on the TF-2
With the acquisition of Terrafugia by Geely, plans for the TF-2 have been abandoned in favor of the TF-2A model. The model is currently in final production design and will begin flight testing prior to entry into service.
References
The Latest News from TransportUP
Cyclorotor Conducts First Flight of Unique Unmanned Aircraft Configuration
September 25, 2023VoltAero Achieves Milestone Flight with Sustainable Aviation Fuel
September 24, 2023Joby to Build eVTOL Manufacturing Facility in Dayton, Ohio
September 24, 2023FAA authorizes Zipline for initial BVLOS drone operations
September 24, 2023VerdeGo Aero
Quick SummaryVerdego Aero originally formed to make its own eVTOL, but has now transitioned into creating customized propulsion systems for eVTOL aircraft of different kinds. Verdego is one of the only existing companies that creates custom IDEP (integrated distributed electric propulsion) systems for eVTOL OEM's, and is founded by Erik Lindbergh, grandson of Charles Lindbergh.CompanyCEOProduct NameVerdeGo, based in Daytona, FloridaErik...

VerdeGo Aero

Quick Summary
Verdego Aero originally formed to make its own eVTOL, but has now transitioned into creating customized propulsion systems for eVTOL aircraft of different kinds. Verdego is one of the only existing companies that creates custom IDEP (integrated distributed electric propulsion) systems for eVTOL OEM's, and is founded by Erik Lindbergh, grandson of Charles Lindbergh.
Stage of Development
Preliminary Design
Technical Details
Aircraft Type: VTOL with fixed wing; Intercity
Powerplant: Onboard generator – liquid fuel
Range: 20-40 miles
Top Speed: 150 mph
Propeller Configuration: 8 electric motors driving independent rotors
Passenger/Payload Capacity: 2; 500 lb useful load
Autonomy Level: Piloted with Semi-Autonomy
Dimensions: Undisclosed
Our Take on Verdego
While young, VerdeGo has a very competent leadership team with well-formulated designs. The company was founded in 2017 and is located in Daytona, Florida, an advantageous location for aerospace development. Over the past three years, VerdeGo has formed multiple key partnerships and has conducted extensive research with key industry players. Now that VerdeGo has transitioned away from developing its Aero PAT200 to become an IDEP provider, the company has made impressive progress on its electric propulsion technology, and is well-situated to become a major supplier for IDEP in the growing aerial mobility industry. VerdeGo's strategy will allow for companies to specialize and provide systems to be integrated in eVTOLs similar to the current supply-chain structure of the aerospace industry.
References
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September 25, 2023VoltAero Achieves Milestone Flight with Sustainable Aviation Fuel
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September 24, 2023VRCO NeoXCraft
Quick SummaryThe VRCO NeoXCraft is a four-rotored eVTOL being developed in the UK that targets certification completion in 2020 after a provisional first flight scheduled for 2019.CompanyCEOProduct NameVRCO, based in Infinity Park Derby, EnglandDan HayesNeoXCraftStage of DevelopmentPreliminary DesignPrototype BuildFlight TestingCertificationCommercially OperatingTechnical DetailsAircraft Type: Roadable VTOL Powerplant: All-electric Range: 75 miles Top Speed: 210 mph Propeller Configuration: Four propellers tilt vertically including its entire motor...

VRCO NeoXCraft

Quick Summary
The VRCO NeoXCraft is a four-rotored eVTOL being developed in the UK that targets certification completion in 2020 after a provisional first flight scheduled for 2019.
Stage of Development
Preliminary Design
Technical Details
Aircraft Type: Roadable VTOL
Powerplant: All-electric
Range: 75 miles
Top Speed: 210 mph
Propeller Configuration: Four propellers tilt vertically including its entire motor nacelle
Passenger/Payload Capacity: Two-seater, 396 lb payload
Autonomy Level: Pilot-assistance
Dimensions: Undisclosed
Other Information
The VRCO NeoXCraft enables two persons to drive on the road, or fly in the air, depending upon their travel requirements. Flight mode features four ducted rotors that swivel to allow for the craft to accelerate to forward flight, or takeoff and land vertically in smaller confined areas. Additionally, the battery lasts around 60 minutes, according to VRCO. The only other information on the NeoXCraft at this time is that it is slated for a first flight in 2019 and certification in 2020.
Our Take on the NeoXCraft
VRCO features a team of experienced aviators, businessmen, and engineers. Additionally, the company is one of few to have organized a Pilot Academy to train persons to fly their product. Although the 2 person capacity and pilot requirement of the NeoXCraft may limit the aircraft's application as a shared urban air taxi, VRCO is currently marketing its aircraft as a 'hyperluxury supercar of the skies' for private use and ownership. Given this positioning for private sales, VRCO could lead the industry for privately owned roadable VTOLs.
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