Flight Testing Announced for Full Scale eVTOL Demonstrator

Textron eAviation will conduct flight testing for its Nexus eVTOL multi-mission, zero-emission demonstrator aircraft, designed to address global demand for sustainable aviation By Abi Wylie / 17 Oct 2024
Follow AAMi

Textron Inc. company Textron eAviation Inc. will conduct flight testing for its Nexus electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) full-scale technology demonstrator aircraft at Salina Regional Airport (SLN). 

The Nexus is a multi-mission aircraft designed to address the global demand for sustainable aviation solutions. This zero-emission aircraft, configured for one pilot and four passengers, is powered by a distributed electric propulsion system. 

It features four tilting propellers and two aft stationary vertical rotors, enabling a wide range of applications such as passenger transport, public aircraft operations and cargo services.

This program, carried out in collaboration with the Salina Airport Authority, will follow the successful conclusion of initial restrained flight tests, which are planned for 2025 at the National Institute of Aviation Research facility in Wichita. 

The flight test program at Salina Regional Airport will be instrumental in validating the aircraft’s full performance envelope. 

Salina Regional Airport has established itself as a key site for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) testing, having hosted Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight (BVLOS) operations under the Federal Aviation Administration’s Integration Pilot Program (IPP) and Beyond programs. 

The airport’s leadership in UAS innovation is further bolstered by the presence of the Kansas State University Applied Aviation Research Center (AARC), which conducts cutting-edge UAS research and operations. Given its extensive history, proven success in UAS operations, and broad access to airspace, Salina Regional Airport is an ideal location for conducting these pivotal tests and advancing the future of aviation.

The remotely piloted flight-test program at Salina Regional Airport (SLN) will evaluate the Nexus eVTOL’s performance under various conditions, simulating a wide range of operational scenarios.

In addition to supporting the flight testing for the Nexus eVTOL, the collaboration among Kansas State University, the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) and Salina Regional Airport underscores their shared commitment to advancing aviation technology in Kansas.

Kriya Shortt, President & CEO of Textron eAviation, commented, ”Kansas boasts a rich aviation history, and we’re proud to work alongside the Salina Airport Authority to test these emerging technologies so close to home. 

“The support and facilities provided by the Salina Airport Authority are vital as we advance towards bringing the Nexus eVTOL to market.”

Posted by Abi Wylie Edited by Abigail Wylie, Editor and Copywriter experienced in digital media with a keen interest in ocean science technology. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Vertiport Designs Revealed for AAM Operations in Abu Dhabi

LODD and Skyports Infrastructure have unveiled vertiport designs for three locations in Abu Dhabi, supporting eVTOL operations and autonomous aerial logistics through new infrastructure integration

Feb 14, 2025
Archer Secures $300 Million Investment to Drive Hybrid Aircraft Development

Archer has secured significant funding to advance its hybrid aircraft platform for defense and commercial applications

Feb 13, 2025
Moya Aero Surpasses 200 eVTOL Test Flights in Ongoing Development Campaign

Moya’s eVTOL has surpassed 200 test flights, generating critical data to refine performance, enhance control, and optimize transition dynamics on its path toward autonomous aerial logistics

Feb 13, 2025
SkyDrive Advances eVTOL Certification with JCAB’s G-1 Basis

SkyDrive’s eVTOL aircraft has received a G-1 certification basis from Japan's Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), marking a key step in its journey toward certification and commercial operations

Feb 12, 2025
eVTOL Vertiport Testbed Development at Campo de Marte Airport

UrbanV and PAX Aeroportos are partnering to develop Brazil’s Advanced Air Mobility ecosystem, launching a vertiport testbed at Campo de Marte Airport to support the integration of eVTOL operations

Feb 11, 2025
SkyDrive Partners to Plan Air Taxi Services in Japan

SkyDrive and JR Kyushu have partnered with the Oita prefectural government to explore the potential for eVTOL services that will improve the region's transportation infrastructure

Feb 10, 2025