Light eVTOL aircraft developer Pivotal has won the 2024 AERO Friedrichshafen e-Flight Award for excellence in electric aviation.
Unlike a multicopter or a tilt-wing aircraft using complex tilting rotors or wings, Pivotal’s novel architecture allows the entire vehicle to rotate when transitioning between vertical flight and efficient, winged forward flight.
This means that Pivotal aircraft enjoy hugely reduced mechanical complexity, lower weight, and far fewer points of potential failure compared to other eVTOL designs. The result is increased reliability and reduced complexity that enhance operator safety.
The only eVTOL incorporating tilt-aircraft architecture, Pivotal’s aircraft use eight proprietary electric motors to deliver bursts of thrust for precise control. This provides quiet, emission free, efficient propulsion in cruise. Pivotal assert that its eVTOLs provide an incredible flight experience without the environmental impact or the noise and air pollution produced by fossil fuel engines.
Pivotal’s light eVTOL aircraft can also take off and land on grass, asphalt, pavement, snow, and ice; and, for use in emergencies, the consumer version of the Helix is equipped for emergency water landings.
The aircraft demonstrated multiple sequential take offs and landings in fresh water and is classified as an amphibious ultralight. Pivotal’s BlackFly and Helix vehicles comply with FAA Part 103 (Ultralight) category in the United States.
The FAA requires ultralight aircraft be operated over non-congested areas generally in uncontrolled airspace and away from highly trafficked airports. Under this regulation, no pilot license is required, but Pivotal requires all pilots to successfully complete comprehensive initial and periodic recurrent flight training to support safe operations in all situations.
Ken Karklin, Pivotal CEO, commented; “Winning the 2024 Aero Friedrichshafen e-Flight Award affirms Pivotal’s leadership role in developing and producing light electric VTOL aircraft. Pivotal’s eVTOLs represent a new era in aviation and our aircraft are designed to offer versatility for both recreational and practical applications.”
