FutureFlight

Joint development work by the Russian Foundation for Advanced Research Projects and SuperOx is tapping high-temperature superconductor technology to improve the efficiency of electric motors. The partners say the motors could be used to re-engine existing aircraft as well as to power new eVTOL designs.

In a sign that Asia might prove to be where Volocopter launches its plans to operate eVTOL air taxi services, the German company is working with a prominent Singapore-based consumer app on a feasibility study. The move suggests that Volocopter intends to avoid joining the Uber Air partnership, that is already supported by eight rival eVTOL aircraft developers.

ASX's prospects for making progress in the development of its Mobi-One eVTOL aircraft may improve with the launch of a new partnership with established aerospace manufacturing group Spirit AeroSystems. Plus the Detroit startup company is poised to seek fresh investment through a Series A funding round.

The SkyGrid aerial operating system now includes highly localized weather data, as well as a wide array of information about the airspace in which unmanned aircraft operate. Today it's supporting drone operations, but eVTOL air taxi services could also benefit from the system.

Singapore's aviation officials will now work with Airbus to prepare the foundations for beginning unmanned aircraft delivery services and also passenger carrying flights in the southeast Asian city state's dense urban environment.

A year on from unveiling its initial hybrid electric Nexus aircraft, Bell was back at the Consumer Electronics Show to unveil its revised design for the all-electric Nexus 4EX. Bell believes the new approach will provide a more reliable foundation for its plans to launch urban air mobility services.

Bell's new collaboration with Japan Airlines and Sumitomo is intended to advance its ambitions to develop an ecosystem to support on-demand air mobility. The work will focus on developing supporting infrastructure and fostering the necessary regulatory environment.

Drone delivery specialist Flirtey has been granted a patent covering technology that detects operating errors and triggers safety mechanisms, such as parachutes. The technology provides an added layer of protection for drone delivery services in built-up areas.

The European Rotors show is set to launch in November 2020 in the German city of Cologne. It is backed by both the European Helicopter Association and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.

Drones have been used to carry critical medical supplies and patient samples in China's Zhejiang province as part of efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus.