As 2023 comes to a close, we’re taking a look back at an exciting year in the world of Advanced Air Mobility. There have been great strides forward in the industry with flight tests conducted, new technologies developed, partnerships formed, and prototypes unveiled.
Here’s the ten most read articles on Advanced Air Mobility International this year…
1. UASystems Plans First Flight of eZELOS Air Taxi
Switzerland’s UASystems revealed plans for the first flight of its hybrid-electric eZELOS rotorcraft.
A prototype of eZELOS is said to be under construction and three more aircraft are planned to be added in 2023, one dedicated for static stress tests and the others intended to join the flight test campaign. The company is targeting to obtain a type certification for eZELOS by 2026, then gradually ramp to production levels of 150 aircraft a year.
2. eVTOL Ion Propulsion Drone Completes Test Flight
Undefined Technologies announced a successful test flight for its eVTOL ion propulsion drone Silent Ventus with the aircraft hitting its projected flight time and lifting power.
The flight marked a major milestone for the emerging dual-use cargo delivery drone. During the 4 1/2 minute flight, the aircraft demonstrated its flight performance beyond reaching steady-state conditions, with higher efficiency power delivery systems and noise levels below 75 dB.
3. Ace VTOL Receives $250 Million Order for GT Slipstream eVTOLs
Ace VTOL received a $250 million order from Aeroauto for its personal eVTOL aircraft, the GT Slipstream.
The agreement represents a commitment from Aeroauto to take delivery of a minimum of 100 GT vehicles by the end of 2040.
4. Doroni’s eVTOL Receives FAA Airworthiness Certification
Doroni Aerospace received official FAA Airworthiness Certification for its eVTOL aircraft, the Doroni H1.
The company is said to be the first to successfully conduct manned flights with a 2-seater personal flying car. According to Doroni, it has not only achieved a technological breakthrough but also set a new standard in the eVTOL sector.
5. Volatus Partners with LEO Flight on VertiStop Charging Technology
Volatus Infrastructure signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work with LEO Flight to provide manufacturing support for LEO’s wireless VertiStop charging technology.
Volatus will also supply the Indiana-based electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle manufacturer with vertiport infrastructure.
6. FAA Proposes New Rules for Training & Certifying eVTOL Pilots
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a comprehensive rule for training and certifying pilots in another key step toward safely enabling AAM.
According to the FAA, new rules are necessary because many of the proposed aircraft take-off and land like a helicopter but fly enroute like an airplane.
The powered-lift proposed rule is designed to provide certainty to pilots and the industry on what the requirements and expectations will be to operate these aircraft once it is finalized.
7. Airbus Selects Eaton and Crouzet for eVTOL Prototype
Airbus announced the selection of Eaton and Crouzet to provide the electrical power distribution (EPDS) and the human-machine interface for CityAirbus NextGen.
Airbus believes the providers’ valuable experience in electrical power management and flight deck controls will ensure the seamless integration of the two subsystems into the prototype’s architecture. Additionally, as key contributors to the aircraft’s performance levels, reliability, and safety, the two parts will have an important impact on the vehicle’s capabilities.
8. Lilium Full-Scale Interior Experience at Paris Air Show
Lilium exhibited at the 54th Paris Air Show at Aéroport de Paris-Le Bourget with a full-scale interior mock-up.
Visitors saw the full-scale 6-passenger interior mock-up and got a glimpse inside the world’s first all-electric jet.
9. Redwings to Purchase Jaunt eVTOLs for Air Taxi Service in Mexico City
Redwings signed a non-binding Letter of Intent (LoI) with Jaunt Air Mobility to purchase eVTOL aircraft and launch a strategic collaboration in Mexico.
Jaunt will support Redwings in its launch of an air taxi service in urban markets beginning with Mexico City.
Under the agreement, Redwings intends to purchase ten Jaunt Journey aircraft with an option to purchase ten additional units.
10. SkyDrive Reveals Plan for Base and AAM Ecosystem in South Carolina
Japanese eVTOL manufacturer SkyDrive announced plans to enter the U.S. market with the establishment of a home base in South Carolina.
SkyDrive further outlined plans to develop an AAM ecosystem in South Carolina while focusing on building a variety of practical use cases originating from two of its key airports in cooperation with local and state government agencies.
