SkyDrive Picks Toray To Supply Composites for Personal eVTOL
The Japanese personal eVTOL maker SkyDrive has selected Toray Carbon Magic to develop advanced carbon fiber-reinforced plastics for the structure of its SD-05 flying car.
Babcock Considers VX4 eVTOL Aircraft For Medical Support and Cargo Flights
Helicopter operator Babcock is working with Vertical Aerospace to evaluate how the VX4 eVTOL aircraft could be used for emergency medical and cargo flights. The operator appears to be following in the footsteps of its rival Bristow, which has already placed provisional orders for four different eVTOL models.
Bristow Plans Lilium Jet eVTOL Purchase As Part of Wider Partnership
Helicopter operator Bristow may add up to 50 of the seven-seat Lilium Jet eVTOL aircraft to its fleet as part of a partnership that will see it provide maintenance support for the German manufacturer and its customers. The deal is Bristow's sixth such agreement with developers of new electric aircraft.
Eve Reveals New eVTOL Design and Cabin Mockup
Eve revealed a cabin mockup for its planned eVTOL aircraft featuring lightweight seats made from recycled plastic for the passenger cabin and single-pilot flight deck in a July 17 press conference at the Farnborough air show. Perhaps more significantly, the company also disclosed a redesign that sees a wing and canard configuration replaced by a wing and empennage combination.
UK's Future Flight Challenge Funds New 'Advanced Mobility Ecosystem Consortium'
The UK government has awarded a group of British aviation companies £9.5 million ($11.3 million) to demonstrate the feasibility of advanced air mobility in the country, as part of the UK Research and Innovation agency’s ongoing Future Flight Challenge.
VIP Chauffeur Service Plans to Buy 10 Manta ANN Hybrid-Electric Air Taxis
The luxury VIP chauffeur service Naylam Technologies has entered into an agreement with Manta Aircraft Italia to fly customers on Manta's ANN hybrid-electric vertical and short take-off and landing (VTOL/STOL) aircraft, with deliveries beginning in 2026 or 2027.
American Airlines Commits to Purchasing 50 eVTOL from Vertical Aerospace
American Airlines has reserved delivery slots and secured pre-delivery payments for 50 VX4 eVTOL aircraft. Meanwhile, Vertical has also secured a preorder from the European business jet operator FlyingGroup for another 50 VX4s.
Merlin Labs Raises $105 Million, Partners with U.S. Air Force for Autonomous Flights
The autonomous piloting start-up Merlin Labs has raised $105 million in its latest funding round. The company has also partnered with the U.S. Air Force to build an autonomous flight system for the C-130J Super Hercules, the most-used cargo craft in the Air Force’s fleet.
V-Star To Bring Next-generation VTOL Aircraft to South Australia
V-Star Powered Lift Aviation intends to begin flying next-generation VTOL aircraft in southern Australia as early as 2023. Its mixed fleet of aircraft can be used for emergency services, regional travel, and commercial transportation.
Cranfield Aerospace Secures First Customer for Modified 'Green' Islander Aircraft
Cranfield Aerospace Solutions has signed a letter of intent with the German start-up airline Evia Aero to supply 10 hydrogen fuel cell conversion kits for Britten-Norman Islander aircraft.