The eVTOL industry is rapidly evolving
At Rogue Heli Tours…
We are all about offering amazing helicopter tours; however, we cannot ignore the undeniable fact that this new industry is truly moving along at an impressive pace! Advances in technology, increasing demand, and innovative services are shaping the future of air travel in remarkable ways!
Check out some of the latest news from the rapidly evolving eVTOL industry below!
Revolutionizing Urban Transportation
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft are revolutionizing urban transportation in exciting ways. These innovative, electric-powered vehicles, commonly referred to as "flying taxis," provide a sustainable and highly efficient alternative to traditional ground transportation options that many people rely on today. With their remarkable ability to take off and land vertically, eVTOLs can operate seamlessly from designated vertiports, freeing them from the constraints and limitations often associated with conventional airports and runways. By significantly reducing traffic congestion and minimizing carbon emissions, eVTOLs hold the potential to dramatically reshape cityscapes and greatly enhance urban mobility for residents and visitors alike.
“Vertical Takeoff and Landing: This allows them to operate from various locations, including rooftops and helipads.”
Credit CNBC: How eVTOLs Could Disrupt The $49B Helicopter Industry
Some Of The Biggest Manufacturers…
the eVTOL industry:
It's important to note that the eVTOL industry is rapidly evolving, and new players may emerge or existing companies may shift their focus.
“Electric Aircraft: Their aircraft are powered by electricity, reducing emissions and noise pollution.”
A pioneer in the field, Joby Aviation is known for its advanced electric propulsion technology and sleek aircraft design.
“Noise Reduction: eVTOLs are generally quieter than conventional helicopters, making them more suitable for urban environments. ”
Credit: Joby Aviation
The Complete Flight Profile of Joby’s eVTOL Aircraft
Joby Aviation
Joby Aviation: A pioneer in the field, Joby Aviation is known for its advanced electric propulsion technology and sleek aircraft design. Joby Aviation is a U.S. company developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, also known as air taxis. They aim to revolutionize urban transportation by offering fast, quiet, and eco-friendly air travel.
“Job Creation: The development and operation of eVTOL technology can create new jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and aviation industries.”
Credit: Archer Aviation
Archer Aviation
Archer Aviation: This company is focused on developing air taxis for urban air mobility, aiming to revolutionize city transportation. Targeting 20-50 mile routes that take over an hour in traffic. Why sit in traffic when you can fly above it? Air taxis are poised to revolutionize the way people move around cities, designed to cut 1+ hour commutes down to mere minutes.
“Improved Efficiency: Electric motors offer higher efficiency compared to traditional combustion engines, leading to lower operating costs.”
Credit: Vertical Airspace
Vertical Aerospace
Vertical Aerospace: A UK-based company, Vertical Aerospace is working on developing all-electric aircraft that can carry multiple passengers for significant distances. Vertical is pioneering electric flight, enabling the transition to a future of sustainable aviation. We aim to provide faster, quieter, greener and smarter ways for people to travel around cities and regions. The VX4 is an innovative piloted electric vertical take-off and landing vehicle that is being designed and manufactured by Vertical. It is projected to have cruise speeds of 150mph, a range of up to 100 miles, near silent when in flight and with zero operating emissions. The decarbonization of transport is critical for the future of our planet and is why Vertical is proud to be transforming mobility..
“Faster Travel Times: eVTOLs can significantly reduce travel times, especially in congested urban areas.”
Fully electric, jet-powered eVTOL aircraft, promising high speeds and long ranges.
LILIUM
Lilium: This German company is developing a fully electric, jet-powered eVTOL aircraft, promising high speeds and long ranges.
“Increased Accessibility: By operating from various locations, eVTOLs can improve accessibility to transportation for people in underserved areas.”
Credit: volocopter.com
VOLOCOPTER
Volocopter: A German company, Volocopter is known for its multi-rotor eVTOL aircraft, designed for urban air taxi services.
Volocopter is the pioneer of urban air mobility (UAM), an emerging branch of fully electric aviation. Our aspiration to make the dream of electric flight come true has resulted in safe and uniquely designed aircraft. Our air taxis and longer-range passenger aircraft will offer alternative, affordable transit solutions – emission-free and more sustainably and efficiently than before. For more than 10 years, we have been enhancing our initial prototype to build a sophisticated ecosystem that will complement our air taxis, thus opening up a whole new perspective on and for the city. By offering all-electric flights over megacities across the globe, we will make more room on the streets, thus relieving congestion, pollution, and other big-city hassles. Interconnected key transport hubs will allow us to ferry passengers across major cities more easily and sustainably than before.
“Economic Growth: eVTOLs can stimulate economic growth by enabling new forms of transportation and logistics.”
Credit: airbus.com
AIRBUS
Airbus: This aerospace giant is investing heavily in eVTOL technology, developing the CityAirbus NextGen, a four-seater electric air taxi.
CityAirbus eVTOL technology demonstrator aircraft
The CityAirbus is a full-scale autonomous piloted eVTOL multicopter technology demonstrator aircraft designed for advanced air mobility (AAM). However, there is no seating inside the aircraft but is a large enough to hold passengers if seats were installed inside. Note: This design was superseded by the CityAirbus NextGen eVTOL aircraft design in September 2021.
Eight pitch rotors are powered by eight specially designed Siemens (now Rolls-Royce) SP200D direct-drive 100 kW units relying on four 140 kW batteries developed by Airbus' Defence and Space arm. The CityAirbus will carry up to four passengers with a cruise speed of 75 mph (120 km/h). The model currently will have 15 minutes of flight time. The vehicle is designed to fly autonomously. The four carbon fiber ducted co-axial propeller configuration will contribute to a low acoustic footprint. Each duct provides 881 lb (400 kg) of thrust for a payload of up to 551 lb (250 kg).
Airbus plans for a high volume production allowing for low cost units. The CityAirbus is designed to be environmentally friendly way. The first commercial flights will employ a pilot, allowing for an entry into the market before regulations or air traffic control systems have adapted to large autonomous vehicles. The vehicle will transfer to a pilotless system once these regulations are in place. The vehicle is intended for flying between fixed routes between critical transit hubs like downtown to an airport or seaport.
“Real Estate Development: Increased accessibility to urban areas can drive real estate development and revitalization.”
Check out this other flight engineering feat below!
The Origin Of The Helicopter
The concept of vertical flight dates back to ancient times, with the earliest recorded design by Leonardo da Vinci in the 15th century. However, it wasn't until the early 20th century that significant progress was made in the development of practical helicopters.