FutureFlight

Italian aerospace group Leonardo has joined a consortium led by Aeroporti di Roma that aims to develop networks of vertiports, starting in Rome in 2024. Leonardo, which has expertise in uncrewed air traffic management, is working on its own new hybrid-electric light helicopter and is helping Vertical Aerospace to build its VX-4 eVTOL vehicle.

KLK Motorsport and Gerg GmbH will work together to design an ultra-lightweight rear fuselage for the CityAirbus NextGen eVTOL fixed-wing aircraft.

Aviation propulsion group Rolls-Royce wants to have the capability to produce hydrogen for use in fuel cells and engines, so it is buying a majority stake in electrolysis specialist Hoeller Electrolyzer. Electrolyzers use electricity to break down water into its two components—hydrogen and oxygen—and Rolls-Royce views this as a key part of plans to reduce air transport's dependence on fossil fuels.

U.S. start-up H3X claims its planned 2.8-MW propulsion units will provide the far greater levels of power density and fault tolerance needed to convert regional and narrowbody airliners to electric power. The company, which is seeking funds to compete with major aircraft engine makers such as Rolls-Royce and Safran, aims to have prototype units available for testing by partners and prospective customers in 2024.

Astronics is supplying both the secondary and charging power distribution units for the seven-seat Lilium Jet eVTOL model. The systems will ensure a reliable supply of power from the batteries to the aircraft's critical systems, while also providing protection against safety risks associated with the conversion and distribution of high-voltage to low-voltage power.

EHang has secured a $149 million line of credit to support its research and development efforts for its family of eVTOL aircraft and the launch of full-scale manufacturing and commercial operations. The Chinese company, which is listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange, aims to achieve type certification for its two-seat EH-216 aircraft this year.

Ryse Aerospace Technologies expects to have its Recon single-seat eVTOL aircraft in production during the first quarter of 2023. The vehicle can be operated under the FAA's Part 103 rules for ultralight aircraft, which require no formal flight training for operators such as ranchers, winemakers, and park rangers.

Amazon won't say how much it has now invested in Beta Technologies from its $2 billion Climate Pledge Fund or whether it will add the company's Alia 250 eVTOL aircraft to its fleet. The retail group has, however, seen the Alia fly between two of its Air Hub facilities in Ohio as part of a busy flight test program.

Munich Airport and Airbus this week expanded their Advanced Air Mobility Initiative to offer support services to other cities and regions wanting to establish eVTOL aircraft operations. The companies will assist with infrastructure requirements and other aspects of the ecosystem needed for the new mode of public transportation. Airbus is also working with gas supplier Linde to develop hydrogen fuel infrastructure at airports worldwide.

Simulated wind tunnel testing using computational fluid dynamics will help H2 Clipper's engineering team to complete design work on the long-range, high-capacity airship it now intends to have flying in 2028. The company says that compared with trucks and ships, the airship will be able to move cargo, such as renewable fuels, between 7 and 10 times faster.