FutureFlight

Transcend Air has not said when it expects to start flight testing the Vy 400 high-speed VTOL aircraft, but says it is on track to complete type certification in 2025. Its partnership with seasoned rotorcraft manufacturer Kaman significantly strengthens the startup's supply chain as it makes the case for an aircraft it says will be very competitive in both civil passenger transportation and military support roles.

Overair says the Optimum Speed Propulsion technology developed over two decades by company founder Abe Karem will differentiate the fixed-wing Butterfly from other eVTOL designs in terms of payload, range, speed, and noise levels. The aircraft has four large, wide-blade propellers that can turn slowly to achieve greater power efficiency. The company, which is backed by South Korea's Hanwha Systems, intends to operate the aircraft in commercial service from 2026.

Ampaire's Electric EEL technology demonstrator is a Cessna 337 Skymaster that the company has fitted with its hybrid-electric propulsion system. On August 12, the aircraft flew from Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands to the Scottish mainland as part of flight trials aimed at evaluating infrastructure and operational needs for potential regional airline applications. The aircraft will also take part in a related project in southwest England.

Ampaire, which is being acquired by Surf Air Mobility, will soon submit an application to the FAA for a supplemental type certificate to replace the Cessna Caravan's turbine engines with a hybrid-electric powertrain. The goal is to create an airplane that can transport passengers on short city-pair routes much more efficiently than the unmodified version.

Archer's lawyers allege Wisk's claims that the company stole trade secrets for an eVTOL aircraft design are part of a "false and malicious extra-judicial smear campaign." It said the allegations have resulted in more than $1 billion in damages incurred, without specifying the exact nature of these damages. The case is being heard in the U.S. District Court for Northern California and is expected to run for at least six months.

JetPack's Speeder VTOL vehicle is intended to be deployed for missions such as moving special forces troops in and out of combat zones, and evacuating injured personnel. It is one of 35 designs now being evaluated by the U.S. Air Force's Afwerx unit for possible military applications in a process that could lead to further government investment in research and development.

An agreement between Eve and Kenya Airways' Fahari Aviation subsidiary calls for collaboration to prepare for the operation of drones and eVTOL aircraft for urban air mobility applications. The partners did not specify exactly what services and infrastructure they intend to develop, or whether the alliance will lead to the airline operating its four-passenger eVTOL aircraft.

From September, ZeroAvia plans to start flight testing a pair of Dornier 228 regional airliners fitted with its 600 kW hydrogen powertrain. The company is also working on a 2 MW+ powertrain that would be able to support larger aircraft with between 40 and 80 seats. To expedite development work, it has converted a military truck to be used as a ground testbed for the powertrain.

SkyDrive is looking to refine the performance of the rotors for its SD-03 flying car based on testing in the extensive wind tunnel facilities of the government-backed Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. Under a new agreement with the agency, the company may also conduct testing of the rest of the airframe in the facility.

The privately developed Vertiport Chicago is conveniently located near many of the most popular business districts in the Midwest U.S. city. It is open around the clock, can accommodate eight helicopters on the ramp simultaneously, and has space for new operations, including eVTOL air taxi services. What's more, local politicians support further expansion of activity on the downtown site.