Ryse's Ultralight eVTOL Aircraft for Farmers Makes First Piloted Test Flights
A new eVTOL aircraft designed with farmers in mind has successfully performed its first piloted test flights. Ryse Aero Technologies, an Ohio-based company developing advanced air mobility solutions for the agricultural community, says its single-seat Recon eVTOL aircraft has made multiple piloted flights at its Cincinnati facility since June 27.
FAA Accepts Reliable Robotics' Certification Basis For Pilotless Technology
As Reliable Robotics achieves another milestone in its plan to equip aircraft with the advanced navigation and autoflight system, the company is closer to achieving its goal of nearly autonomous flight capability. The anticipated FAA approval will, however, require that a pilot be onboard to handle contingencies, but in all other respects, the aircraft will be flown by the advanced autopilot, supplemented by an operator on the ground.
Eve to Conduct UAM Simulation Out of Chicago Vertiport Using Helicopters
Eve’s first North American UAM simulation will see helicopters used as a substitute for an eVTOL vehicle to study operations, ground services, passenger journeys, and operator needs starting with ground tests on September 12 and passenger flights on September 14.
The study aims to lend knowledge about the infrastructure and ecosystem needed to enable the launch and expected long-term growth of UAM in the Chicago area.
XTI Reboots Plans for TriFan VTOL Aircraft Family with Off-the Shelf Propulsion
XTI maintains that its TriFan 600 VTOL aircraft will outperform current business jets and helicopters, as well as new eVTOL vehicles. The company, which is looking to raise more funds through a planned merger with the Xeriant group, has determined that it will enter the advanced air mobility market with currently available engines and give electric propulsion technology longer to mature.
U.S. Air Force's HSVTOL Challenge Propels Jetoptera Fluidic Propulsion Technology
Jetoptera, a Washington state-based company developing innovative new VTOL and STOL aircraft concepts using bladeless fan technology, says it is on track to deliver a new prototype to the U.S. Air Force (USAF). In a letter to investors published last week, it reported that it will be ready to begin demonstration flights in 2025.
Harbour Air’s All-Electric Beaver Performs First Point-to-Point Test Flight
Vancouver’s Harbour Air flew its eBeaver prototype on a point-to-point test mission for the first time since its maiden flight in December 2019. Supply-chain delays, however, continue to hinder the program’s progress, as Harbour Air awaits a new motor and battery system to install on the first eBeaver production example.
Xwing Says Cargo Operations Are the Fast-track to Autonomous Commercial Flights, But Passenger Acceptance Is a Long Way Off
Innovators like Xwing are focusing on air freight services to gain regulators' approval for flights controlled by ground-based operators rather than pilots on board. Earl Lawrence, the FAA's former executive director of aircraft certification and now Xwing's chief compliance and quality officer, told the recent Electric Aircraft Symposium that passengers are a long way from being ready to accept autonomous operations.
EHang Reports Progress on EH216 eVTOL Certification and Income from Preorders
EHang says that second-quarter revenues from preorders and early deliveries of its EH216-S Autonomous Aerial Vehicle have helped to sustain cash flow as it works to complete Chinese type certification for the all-electric vehicle. The company says it has resolved 13 of the means-of-compliance requirements and is preparing to demonstrate compliance to the Civil Aviation Administration of China.
Eviation's Alice Electric Aircraft Still on Track for First Test Flight This Summer
Eviation is still on track to perform the first test flight of its all-electric Alice aircraft this summer, company officials told FutureFlight. This would imply an anticipated target date for the Washington state-based company of no later than September 22.
American Airlines Places Deposit On Supersonic Airliner Order
American Airlines this week placed a non-refundable deposit as part of an agreement to buy up to 20 Boom Supersonic Overture aircraft. The deal, announced on August 16, includes options on another 40 of the planned supersonic transports, designed to carry between 65 and 85 passengers to a range of 4,250 nm. The sides did not reveal the dollar amount of the down payment.