Ohio-based electric vehicle manufacturer Workhorse Group plans to unveil its SureFly hybrid gas-electric helicopter concept at the Paris Air Show on June 19. The two-passenger SureFly is designed to compete in the newly created eVTOL market with a maximum payload of 400 pounds, a range of 70 miles and a cruising speed of 70 mph. The aircraft is powered by a BMW 600cc two-cylinder generator engine linked to a parallel bank of battery packs offering redundant power and eliminating the need for long battery recharging between flights. The electrical system powers electric motors linked to four propeller arms, each with two contra-rotating propellers. The batteries can power the motors in the event of generator failure. The airframe also has a ballistic parachute. Workhorse plans to begin test flights this year and intends to achieve FAA certification in late 2019. Workhorse has developed a variety of hybrid electric vehicles, including step vans and pickup trucks. In February, UPS successfully tested Workhorse's HorseFly UAV for home package delivery service from atop a package-delivery car.
Ohio-based electric vehicle manufacturer Workhorse Group unveiled the SureFly hybrid gas-electric helicopter concept at the Paris Air Show last month and plans to fly it later this year. The vehicle displayed at Paris was an actual assembled prototype, not a mock-up. The all-carbon-fiber, two-passenger SureFly is designed to compete in the newly created eVTOL market with a maximum payload of 400 pounds, a range of 70 miles, a cruising speed of 70 mph and a service ceiling of 4,000 feet. The aircraft is powered by a 200-hp BMW 600cc twin-cylinder engine linked to a pair of generators and parallel lithium battery packs offering redundant power and eliminating the need for long battery recharging between flights. The electrical system powers eight electric motors mounted on four folding propeller arms, each with two contra-rotating carbon-fiber propellers. The folding arms make the SureFly easier to ship and store. The lithium batteries can power the motors in the event of generator failure. The airframe also has a ballistic parachute.
Company spokesman Mike Detkas said the aircraft has undergone ground runs on a test stand and that the goal is to fly it in three or four months. He said Workhorse has set a target price for SureFly of less than $200,000. The aircraft has an estimated empty weight of 1,100 pounds and a maximum takeoff weight of 1,500 pounds. The cabin is configured for one passenger and one pilot or can be converted to one pilot plus cargo. Detkas emphasized that the SureFly has a simple design with fixed-pitch propellers. “It's designed for simplicity and safety.” Detkas said the company has yet to make a final decision on an avionics supplier. “This is a personal helicopter. We are building it to be affordable and easy and safe to fly.”
Workhorse said it intends to earn FAA certification in late 2019. The company has developed a variety of hybrid-electric vehicles such as step vans and pickup trucks. In February, UPS successfully tested Workhorse's HorseFly UAV for home package delivery service from atop a delivery package car.