FutureFlight

While some hybrid-electric aircraft systems under development use an engine connected to a generator through a gearbox of some sort, Turbotech has developed a compact all-in-one unit that uses a microturbine, a generator, and a heat exchanger, all on the same shaft. It spins at 9,000 rpm providing a high power-to-weight ratio.

In its latest flight trials, Bell's APT70 aircraft carried a load on a four-mile trip across the AllianceTexas site that involved navigating through complex airspace. As well as providing data to support standards for unmanned aircraft, the exercise was intended to promote the potential for aircraft developers to use the Hillwood development's Mobility Innovation Zone.

The Skybus concept is a 30- to 50-seat eVTOL aircraft that would offer "park and ride" services to replace ground transportation. It is one of three projects being advanced by GKN Aerospace, along with Safe Flight, which is looking at integrating autonomous aircraft into existing airspace, and the NAPKIN concept for zero-carbon air transportation.

Leading regulatory agencies like the FAA and EASA are showing a willingness to be somewhat flexible in how aircraft designs, and their new propulsion technologies, can complete type certification under existing rules. The industry's efforts to set consistent standards are, in some cases, helping to overcome barriers to innovation.

At Coventry in the Midlands region of England, Urban Air Port and Hyundai are leading a project to develop the Air-One hub as an advanced air mobility testbed. In the southwest of the country, Atkins and Vertical Aerospace are joining with local authorities to assess the viability of establishing an air taxi network around Bristol.

Specialist companies involved in advanced aerospace materials and manufacturing say that eVTOL aircraft developers and other pioneers in the advanced air mobility sector have a lot of work to do to prepare for the production phase. Regulatory hurdles are only part of the challenge.

NASA is working with industry partners to develop a "system of systems" that it says will be needed to safe integrate new advanced air mobility aircraft, including eVTOL vehicles, into public airspace.

Varon Vehicles is working with eVTOL aircraft developer Jaunt Air Mobility to identify sites for a network of vertiports in cities across Latin America for planned urban air mobility services.

Drone developer Blue Bear Systems Research is leading a UK government-backed project to develop an electric propulsion system that might be applied for eVTOL aircraft, large cargo drones, general aviation aircraft, or sub-regional airliners.

At the Vertical Flight Society's Electric VTOL Symposium, Nexa Advisors managing partner Michael Dyment presented a new case study support the introduction of eVTOL aircraft transportation services in and around the Canadian city of Vancouver. Apart from the anticipated $2 billion in revenues from the flights themselves, he sees an additional $2.1 billion contribution to the local economy.