FutureFlight

The Merlin Labs technology is intended to replicate the functions of human pilots, allowing operators to avoid the limitations on growth posed by an ongoing shortage of suitably qualified professional flight crew. Flight trials are set to be expanded next year, with Ameriflight looking to convert its Cessna Caravan aircraft first, and later implement the system for the rest of its fleet. The carrier will operate the technology on a semi-autonomous basis while waiting for the FAA to give the go-ahead for fully autonomous use.

Amprius Technologies, which is already providing lithium-Ion battery cells for drone applications, now intends to target larger electric vehicles, including eVTOL aircraft. It says the rapid charge rate of just six minutes will deliver a step-change in performance for electric battery use in transportation.

Lung Biotechnology intends to use the electric-powered R44 light helicopter to carry human organs for transplant procedures. Tier 1 Engineering will employ the MagniX electric propulsion unit to replace the aircraft's current piston engine under an FAA supplemental type certificate.

As it aims to achieve its goal of generating 2.5 MW of power from a new hybrid-electric propulsion system, Rolls-Royce engineers at Filton in the UK have already achieved an output of 1MW. The generator unit, which incorporates one of Rolls-Royce's existing AE2100 turboprop engines, plus controls and a thermal management system, could power future regional airliners, or be used as part of a "more-electric" system for larger aircraft.

Sydney Seaplanes plans to deploy 50 of Eve's four-passenger eVTOLs for tourist flights from 2026, potentially replacing some of its existing amphibious airplane fleet. The company is also working with MagniX to convert Cessna Grand Caravan fixed-wing aircraft to electric propulsion for a new regional airline operation from 2022.

Under its FlyZero project to reduce aviation carbon emissions, the UK's Aerospace Technology Institute has unveiled the first of three planned concepts for a hydrogen-powered airliner. The "midsize" model would be a medium-capacity, long-haul airliner, and in early 2022 the public-private partnership plans to unveil two other concepts, for "regional" and "narrowbody" hydrogen aircraft.

Nautilus Aviation is part of the Morris Group consortium of hospitality and renewable energy companies that is seeking to achieve net-zero ecotourism services by 2030, including aerial tours of Australia's Great Barrier Reef. The helicopter operator has committed to using Eve's four-passenger eVTOL aircraft as part of its fleet.

With some similarities to a hovercraft, Regent's seagliders move on a dynamic air cushion created by pressured air between water and its wings. The company's Viceroy and Monarch models will respectively carry 12 and 100 passengers on routes of up to 180 miles, with the company planning for service entry beginning in 2025 with customers including Southern Airways Express and Brittany Ferries.

VertX Aero says that by 2030, commercial eVTOL aircraft operators could need as many as 50,000 pilots and that it could take until late 2023 for training requirements to be fully defined for initial air taxi operations. The company—formed by established flight training provider ASG with Avtrain and VectorCap—is building a dedicated eVTOL pilot training center in Ireland.

With FAA's special airworthiness certificate in the experimental category issued, Archer's engineering team has clearance for a first flight with its two-seat Maker eVTOL technology demonstrator. The aircraft has been moved to a secret location in California as final preparations are made for an initial hover flight before the end of December. Archer has recruited powertrain specialist Michael Schwekutsch to focus on the eVTOL design's propulsion system, including high-voltage and battery systems.