FutureFlight

Germany-based Lilium says it is now the first eVTOL aircraft developer to hold the G-1 type certification basis clearance from both EASA in Europe and the U.S. air safety regulator. After Lilium and EASA provide FAA with further information about the type certification process for the six-passenger Lilium Jet, the U.S. agency will publish the G-1 issue paper for public consultation. Lilium now aims to complete EASA type certification by the end of 2025, with concurrent FAA approval expected to follow under the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement.

Supernal has added three key partners to support its efforts to develop and produce its SA-1 eVTOL aircraft. In addition to aerostructures and electronic components, new partnerships sealed by Hyundai's urban air mobility division during the recent Paris Air Show will focus on enabling high-rate manufacturing processes to help scale the production of the piloted, four-passenger aircraft, which is scheduled to enter service in 2028. 

Global Partner Solutions will develop the supply chain for the manufacturing of Jaunt's Journey eVTOL aircraft and plans to use local Quebec-based companies. Jaunt aims to complete type certification in 2027 for a four-passenger electric vehicle with a range of between 80 and 120 miles, based on its fixed-wing and rotor configuration.

Safran Electrical & Power is helping Volocopter to devise a powertrain for its planned next-generation eVTOL aircraft. The companies signed a collaboration agreement at this week's Paris Air Show under which they will explore commercial and engineering partnerships, covering an electric propulsion system (EPS), battery units, and a power distribution system.

Japanese electric aircraft developer SkyDrive plans to manufacture its eVTOL air taxi in a factory owned by car maker Suzuki Motor Corporation, the company said this week during the Paris Airshow. It also announced that avionics specialist Thales will provide the aircraft's flight controls. 

The EcoPulse, a hybrid-electric technology demonstrator jointly developed by Daher, Safran, and Airbus made its public debut this week at the Paris Airshow. Having completed the first flight tests in 2022 using a conventional thermal engine, the EcoPulse team is now working to integrate the hybrid-electric propulsion system and plans to fly the converted aircraft for the first time this summer.

A 600-kilowatt turbogenerator based on Safran's Arrano turboshaft engine will provide electrical power for Electra's HeSTOL prototype that is planned to fly in 2025. Safran Helicopter Engines will also provide the aircraft's power management system.

Wisk Aero will use Safran’s SkyNaute inertial navigation system for the four-passenger eVTOL air taxi it intends to operate fully autonomously, without a pilot on board. The companies announced the partnership this week at the Paris Airshow.

The hydrogen-powered Rapace unmanned air vehicle (UAV) took to the air for the first time in early May. It was the first flight of a drone with closed cathode and liquid-cooled fuel cell outside of the U.S.

Charter provider Elit’Avia has added eight additional orders for Aura Aero's hybrid-electric regional airliner to its existing order for 20, boosting Aura's order book to more than 330 aircraft secured by letters of intent. The company is developing a series of two-seat training aircraft as well as the 19-seat ERA airliner at its Toulouse Francazal Airport headquarters.