With New Funding, SkyDrive Unveils Two-Seat, Short-hop eVTOL Aircraft
Based on work conducted with its earlier SD-03 technology demonstrator, Japan's SkyDrive has designed its SD-05 production eVTOL aircraft and aims to get it to market in 2025, following the start of flight testing in 2024. The two-seater will be able to fly only 10 kiloeters on a single charge, but the company says it will fill an urgent need for "last mile" transportation in busy and geographically challenged cities.
Vertical's VX4 eVTOL Aircraft Prototype Makes First Hover Flight
Vertical Aerospace has started the flight test campaign for its VX4 eVTOL aircraft and now says it hopes to complete concurrent type certification in 2025. The piloted flight tests require a permit from the UK Civil Aviation Authority, which is expected to certify the all-electric aircraft concurrently with Europe's EASA aviation safety agency.
Disjointed U.S. and Europe Could Lose Advanced Air Mobility Leadership to Asia, Warns eVTOL Leader
Asia stands to offer the biggest opportunities for advanced air mobility companies, according to Vertical Aerospace president Michael Cervenka, who urged industry and regulators in the U.S. and Europe to collaborate
European Flight Simulation Tests eVTOL Aircraft Airspace Integration Scenarios
The third in an ongoing series of flight testing as part of Europe's CORUS-XUAM uncrewed traffic management concept of operations project evaluated what happens when flight plans have to be changed due to unforeseen circumstances. Volocopter's 2X eVTOL vehicle and the Boreal UAS drone used an uncrewed traffic management system, while Pipistrel's Velis Electro aircraft used the local air traffic management system at the Paris-area Pontoise airfield.
U.S. Lawmakers Look To Build Advanced Air Mobility With FAA Reauthorization Bill
Congressional leaders expect are eying a range of issues for the FAA reauthorization bill that will be in the works next year that includes "clear direction" for the FAA to make sure the proper resources are dedicated to the advanced air mobility industry.
eVTOL Aircraft Developers Remain Concerned Over New FAA Operational Regulations
FAA's shift of certification rules for advanced air mobility vehicles opened the door to other concerns, including operational and training requirements as well as international validations. However, the agency is working toward the release of a special federal aviation regulation by 2024.
Kittyhawk Signals Its Imminent Exit from eVTOL Aircraft Innovation
Kittyhawk was launched in 2010 and has worked on several eVTOL aircraft designs and technologies, including most recently the Heaviside autonomous vehicle. The company jointly owns Wisk Aero with Boeing and has been involved in its plans to bring a four-passenger eVTOL air taxi to market.
Boeing and Wisk Issue Concept of Operations for Urban Air Mobility
The Boeing-backed autonomous eVTOL developer Wisk has released a concept of operations that provides a roadmap for the adoption of an urban air mobility ecosystem with pilotless air taxis.
Flapper Partners with Destinus for High-speed Cargo Flights
The Brazilian on-demand charter flight broker Flapper has entered into an agreement with the hypersonic, hydrogen-powered aircraft developer Destinus to open high-speed cargo delivery flight routes in Latin America and Europe. It may also look into the potential for passenger services.
Ecocopter Teams with Airbus over eVTOL Service Plans in South America
Under a memorandum of understanding, Chile-based Ecocopter is conducting joint studies with Airbus regarding possible plans to launch eVTOL aircraft services in that country as well as in Peru and Ecuador. The European aerospace group aims to certify its four-passenger CityAirbus NextGen eVTOL aircraft in 2025.