Story ID: 320
eVTOLs and eSTOLs Could Reshape Private Aviation
By: Charles Alcock
Caption: Joby, Lilium, and Electra are all making their case at NBAA-BACE 2024
Word Count: 592
Imagine if you could move the boundaries of private aviation lift beyond where current fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters can operate. Also imagine if direct carbon emissions from flights could be significantly reduced or virtually eliminated.
That’s what distributed electric propulsion is expected to make possible, and three prime examples can be found this week at NBAA-BACE 2024 in the shape of eVTOL vehicles being developed by Joby Aviation and Lilium, as well as a hybrid-electric STOL design from Electra.
According to California-based Joby, it is on track to complete type certification with its still-unnamed four-passenger eVTOL model by year-end. That should allow for first deliveries and the launch of commercial air taxi services in some cities from the start of next year. The lift-and-cruise design features six tilting electric motor/rotor units installed along the wing and a V-shaped tail.
Joby already holds a Part 135 charter certificate and plans to be the operator of early use cases for the all-electric aircraft on routes of up to around 87 nm. It has developed its own ElevateOS suite of software tools to support commercial operators and expects to recruit both military and civil pilots.
However, the company has also signed up customers/partners such as Delta Air Lines, which will be involved in operating shuttle services such as those planned between Manhattan and JFK International Airport. Joby has already scoped out a heliport in Kearny, New Jersey, as its base for New York City-area operations.
Private Aviation eVTOL Pioneers
Meanwhile, Textron eAviation is openly working on an eVTOL design. The Textron division is now building the first full-scale example its Nexus eVTOL in Wichita, with support from the group's Bell helicopters subsidiary and its Slovenia-based electric aviation specialist Pipistrel.
Lilium’s design is notably different; its Lilium Jet features 30 tilting ducted-fan electric engines installed in the wing and canard. The aircraft, which is expected to enter service in 2026, is being offered in a four-seat Pioneer Edition version for business and private aviation customers. A standard six-passenger version will be used for regional air services.
The German company already has sales agreements with several business aviation companies. Texas-based EMC Jet has agreed to be its exclusive private sales dealer in the U.S. through 2030. In the UK, Volare Aviation is set to take up to 20 of the aircraft and will operate these on behalf of individual owners and also for charter flights.
Takeoff from a Football Field
Virginia-based Electra was not willing to settle for the range and payload limitations of current battery-powered eVTOL aircraft. Instead, it is working on a hybrid-electric STOL aircraft that it said will be able to serve regional routes of up to around 435 nm and fly at speeds up to 174 knots. 
Critically, Electra intends for the yet-unnamed model to be able to operate from landing strips of no more than 300 feet in length. The company maintains that this will open up commercial air services in all sorts of new urban and suburban spaces, bypassing existing airports. The company has coined the term "ultra short" for this performance.
Electra is already flight-testing a two-seat technology demonstrator and expects to start flying a full-scale prototype in 2026. It is targeting FAA type certification under FAR Part 23 regulations in 2028.
Operators such as Surf Air Mobility and Bristow have signed provisional order agreements with Electra. The company is expected to unveil its first full-scale prototype at an event next month.