Germany’s Jetcopter has finalized the design of its $350,000 all-carbon-fiber, seven-seat, twin-engine VTOL that also will be roadworthy, the company announced on Monday. The prospective aircraft is expected to have a maximum range of 620 nm and a top speed of 186 mph.
The design features two roof-mounted 400 hp piston automotive engines that power two counter-rotating fans; fan airflow is then channeled to four thrust-vectoring nozzles. These nozzles adjust to provide thrust for hovering and maneuvering. Once airborne, the nozzles tilt for horizontal flight.
The passenger configuration will be of comparable size to a medium-twin civil helicopter and will feature a single-pilot position in front with forward exit doors and two rows of three each single passenger seats behind and a rear ramp for passenger/cargo loading. The company plans to offer an all-cargo variant of the aircraft first.
A full-scale mockup is due to be presented in April at Aero 2019 in Friedrichshafen, Germany.