New Zealand Approves Passenger Flight Trials for Wisk's Cora eVTOL Aircraft
Wisk, the joint venture between Boeing and Kitty Hawk, is partnering with the government of New Zealand to conduct passenger-carrying flight trials. The February 4 agreement follows on from the Airspace Integration Trial established in October 2019.
EASA Consults Industry on Special Condition Rules for Electric and Hybrid Propulsion Systems
Industry has until March 3, 2020, to respond to EASA proposals for how it will certify electric and/or hybrid propulsion systems for new eVTOL aircraft. The proposed Special Condition rules will be followed by proposed accepted means of compliance to apply to specific propulsion systems.
Vertical Completes Winged eVTOL Design, Seeks New Funding
Vertical expects to achieve a first flight for its new wing-based eVTOL prototype around mid-2020. Meanwhile, the UK-based company is seeking fresh investment with a view to completing type certification around the end of 2023.
Ambitious eVTOL Startups Eye GoFly Fly Off’s Million-Dollar Prize
More than 800 teams from 103 countries have already competed in the first two phases of the GoFly competition to develop personal air vehicles and now the overall winner will be determined from results of a Final Fly Off. Appropriately, this will be held on "Leap Day", February 29, 2020.
Fire Damages Eviation's First Alice Prototype During Ground Testing
Eviation Aircraft was preparing the first prototype of its all-electric Alice aircraft for its first flight when a fire broke out during ground testing of power systems. The company has yet to determine what impact the event may have on the flight test schedule.
Joby's eVTOL Aircraft Program Boosted by Toyota's $590 Million Investment
Japanese carmaker Toyota has become a lead investor in eVTOL startup Joby Aviation, which now appears to have sufficient funding to bring its S4 model to market.
How HUMS Technology Could Support Cost Effective Maintenance For eVTOL Aircraft
Health and usage monitoring systems provide vital maintenance support for large helicopters and a new lightweight, flexible system is now available for much smaller eVTOL aircraft.
Russian Industry Lays Plans to Join eVTOL Revolution, But Some Remain Skeptical
At least two Russian organizations, including Yakovlev and KNITU, are working on designs for new vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, but it remains unclear when these may be ready to go into production and on what terms.
Study Predicts Almost Half a Million Urban Air Taxis in Service by 2040
Frost & Sullivan's new study predicts that as many as 430,000 urban air taxies will be in service worldwide, with operations beginning as soon as 2022.
Harbour Air Makes First All-electric Commercial Aircraft Flight
Canadian operator Harbour Air flew a six-passenger DHC-2 de Havilland Beaver powered by a Magnix 750-hp magni500 electric engine on December 10. It hopes to start scheduled flights with an all-electric fleet by the end of 2021.