Archer Aviation announces it is the official air taxi provider for the LA 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games as well as Team USA. This agreement means Archer is to use its electric aircraft, called Midnight, to transport people during the event. The company works with LA28 – the official name of the Games – organizers to carry VIPs, fans, and event staff, to name a few. Archer will also set up vertiports, which are landing and takeoff zones, for the eVTOLs.

These are spread around key locations throughout the event’s period, which runs between July 14th and 30th for the Olympics and August 15th and 27th for the Paralympics. These vertiports support emergency and security teams as well. The LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games expect to draw over 15 million visitors and reach a global audience through broadcasts. As part of the partnership, Archer and LA28 introduce the Midnight air taxis across Los Angeles as well as support Team USA during the LA 2028 games.

all images courtesy of Archer Aviation

Vertiports’ locations include LA airports and Hollywood

Design-wise, the Midnight air taxis by the aviation company Archer have pilots manning them. These eVTOLs, which are the air transport vehicles during the LA 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, can carry four passengers at once. It has 12 engines and propellers, and the design includes backup systems in case of failure. Archer is working to meet safety standards similar to those required for commercial airplanes. So far, the aircraft is produced in the US at Archer’s facilities in San Jose, California, and Covington, Georgia.

Archer plans to allow people – both residents and visitors – to use Midnight to fly from one vertiport to another within the city. A typical flight takes 10 to 20 minutes. The network of locations includes Los Angeles International Airport, Hollywood, Orange County, Santa Monica, Inglewood, and the LA Memorial Coliseum. The agreement also gives Archer access to media coverage through NBCUniversal during the 2026 and 2028 Olympics, including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Both Archer and the LA28 team say they aim to change how people travel in Los Angeles during the Games and even after them.

Archer Aviation announces that it is the official air taxi provider for the LA 2028 Games

the company is to use its electric aircraft, called Midnight, to transport people during the event

the vertiports are spread around key locations throughout the event’s period

these vertiports support emergency and security teams as well

the Midnight air taxis have pilots manning them

so far, the eVTOLs can carry up to four passengers at once

project info:

company: Archer Aviation | @flyarcher

event: LA28 (LA 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games) | @la28games

dates: July 14th to 30th, 2028 for the Olympics; August 15th to 27th, 2028 for the Paralympics

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AltoVolo unveils Sigma, a hybrid and personal eVTOL that can take off from homes instead of vertiports and terminals. The aircraft needs no public infrastructure to fly, the startup says, because the team designs it for point-to-point locations. Owners can also land it on surfaces including driveways, rooftops, and yachts. On the exterior, the patent-pending tilting electric jet propulsion system is visible. The design allows AltoVolo’s hybrid eVTOL Sigma to use the high power output of batteries for takeoff and landing while relying on liquid fuel for extended flight range.

The aircraft comes with safety features, including the ability to maintain stable flight following the failure of one jet propulsion unit. If one of the jets fails, the ballistic parachute system gets activated, especially during emergency situations. Design-wise, the airframe has a width of 4.8 meters and a total weight of 980 kilograms. The cabin can accommodate up to three passengers. The startup says that the size and weight specification of the aircraft supports both urban and intercity air travel applications. AltoVolo’s hybrid eVTOL Sigma plans to begin operating in 2025.

all images courtesy of AltoVolo

Personal aircraft that has a hover time of 15 minutes

For the specs buffs, the aircraft has a flight range of 500 miles and is capable of reaching a cruise speed of 220 miles per hour. The startup believes that its noise emissions are reduced by over 80 percent compared to conventional helicopters, courtesy of the hybrid-electric propulsion system that uses tilting jet engines for flight. Because of this, owners can use it in areas with noise sensitivity and limits, including residential zones.

At the present time, AltoVolo is developing Sigma as a point-to-point transport aircraft for independent travel. The design and engineering of the Sigma have been reviewed and validated by Dr. Richard E. Brown of Sophrodyne Aerospace. The startup uses simulation tools from Ansys, a provider of engineering software also used by Formula 1 teams. At the moment, the startup has completed the first flight test of the scale prototype of Sigma. The next step is production of a full-scale demonstrator, with the autonomous flight systems supplied by the company Embention.

AltoVolo unveils Sigma, a hybrid and personal eVTOL

AltoVolo’s hybrid eVTOL Sigma to begin operations in 2025

In terms of performance, the aircraft has a hover time of 15 minutes and a payload capacity of 270 kilograms. Its top speed is 290 miles per hour, and the hybrid powertrain allows for a range of up to 510 miles. For the electric-only mode, the maximum range is 260 miles. So far, the estimated noise level during takeoff is between 65 and 70 decibels measured at 100 meters.

Then, the maximum flight ceiling is 10,000 feet, or approximately 3,050 meters. The safety features include a ballistic parachute with a deployment altitude of 50 feet. The vehicle also uses thrust vectoring for flight stability and has a triple-redundant control system for operational reliability. AltoVolo’s hybrid eVTOL Sigma plans to begin its operations in 2025.

the aircraft can accommodate up to three passengers

the aircraft needs no public infrastructure to fly, the startup says

owners can also land it on surfaces including driveways, rooftops, and yachts

as a hybrid vehicle, Sigma can rely on liquid fuel for extended flight range

if one of the jets fails, the ballistic parachute system gets activated

the startup plans to begin its aircraft’s operation in 2025

project info:

name: Sigma

startup: AltoVolo | @altovolo.inc

engineering validation: Sophrodyne Aerospace

software provider: Ansys | @ansys_inc

flight systems: Embention 

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Volonaut Airbike takes its flying superbike high in the sky for the first time. Developed by Tomasz Patan, the mastermind behind Jetson ONE, the personal hoverbike levitates and glides in the air with ease, suggesting its overall lightweight structure. As the inventor says, the Volonaut Airbike is seven times lighter than a conventional superbike because the design team uses advanced carbon fiber materials. On top of that, they adopt 3D printing for the parts as well as a minimal design for the overall look.

Unlike the Jetson ONE, the flying superbike has an open-air setup. It has no frame caging the flyer. They also lean to the front unlike the eVTOL’s lounge-like seating position. There aren’t any visible spinning propellers around the Volonaut Airbike. Because of its compact size, the flying superbike can travel through confined and narrow areas. During the launch, Tomasz Patan takes the personal hoverbike in the air, gliding through a valley and around a forest.

all images and stills courtesy of Volonaut

proprietary stabilization system for automatic hovering

The Volonaut Airbike comes as a surprise. It’s because the inventor, Tomasz Patan, has developed it in stealth mode. There weren’t any updates given before its unveiling on May 1st, 2025. Specs-wise, the flying superbike features a jet propulsion that brings it up in the air. The air vehicle can only carry one person, and its speed can reach up to 200 km/h or 124 mph. The inventor says that Volonaut Airbike also has a proprietary stabilization system. The design team enhances it using a flight computer, giving the flying superbike automatic hovering capabilities.

Not adding any framing or exterior structure around the Volonaut Airbike allows the flyer an unobstructed, 360-degree view. At the rear of the air vehicle, there are red tail lights for the other or nearby hoverbikes, triggered when the vehicle slows down. The entire frame is lifted off the ground using sculpted stands on both sides, allowing for a soft landing as well when the ride is up. So far, Tomasz Patan has yet to announce if Volonaut Airbike will become available. In the meantime, he’s glad he’s been able to materialize a longtime inspiration of his, alongside Jetson ONE.

Volonaut Airbike takes its flying superbike high in the sky for the first time

it glides in the air with ease, suggesting its overall lightweight structure

the air vehicle is seven times lighter than a conventional superbike because of the carbon fiber materials

detailed view of the vehicle

Tomasz Patan takes the personal hoverbike around a forest

so far, no news yet on its commercial availability

project info:

name: Airbike

startup: Volonaut | @volonaut

inventor: Tomasz Patan | @tomasz.patan

The post motorcycle for the skies: volonaut airbike flies and glides for the first time appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Jetson ONE unveils its first production-ready eVTOL in a test flight, even hovering in the air without the pilot’s control. The aircraft completes its first commute in 2022. The following year, it receives certification as the first ultralight eVTOL allowed to fly all over Italy. On March 25th, 2025, the team brings the Jetson production-ready eVTOL to a field for a flight test. Here, it flies back and forth, even hovering at times hands-free. 

Dubbed the SN1, the model is ideal as a personal air vehicle. The company describes it as an aircraft that feels like ‘Anakin Skywalker from Star Wars.’ It has taken the team years to develop its first production-ready eVTOL. ‘The first ONE has flown off, left the production line, and is finally ready to change the future of air mobility,’ the team writes in a post. At the present time, Jetson plans to deliver the production-ready eVTOL starting in 2026. 

all images courtesy of Jetson

race-car-inspired safety cell with eight exposed rotors

For a design recap, the Jetson ONE production-ready eVTOL features a race-car-inspired safety cell and body. It protects the pilot from the eight exposed motors and rotors around the aircraft, each of which drives an equal number of propellers. The company says that the pilot can gain full control over altitude and direction in one hand. The personal air vehicle is also able to sustain continuous flight, even with the loss of one motor. It has an auto-land function as well as multiple safety features to protect the pilot in case of an emergency landing.

To help the auto-landing feature, the team adds radar sensors around the model. There’s even a ballistic parachute with rapid deployment time on board as part of the safety features. Specs-wise, the aircraft can fly in the air for around 20 minutes, with a maximum speed of 63 miles per hour. The pilot controls it using a four-axis joystick, and the chassis comes from an all-aluminum space airframe. Presently, the team has completed the test flight of the Jetson ONE production-ready eVTOL, with its first delivery beginning in 2026.

Jetson ONE unveils its first production-ready eVTOL in a test flight

the aircraft even hovers in the air without the pilot’s control

dubbed the SN1, the model is ideal as a personal air vehicle

the personal air vehicle features a race-car-inspired safety cell and body

view of the air vehicle’s frame

image of the aircraft’s first manned flight

project info:

name: Jetson ONE

company: Jetson | @jetsonaero

The post jetson ONE’s first production-ready eVTOL takes flight and hovers without the pilot’s control appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Joby Aviation and Virgin Atlantic team up to bring electric air taxis in the UK with flights to London in as little as eight minutes. The teams expect to launch ‘zero-emission’ and short-range journeys. The first operation starts within Virgin Atlantic’s hubs at Heathrow and Manchester Airport. There’s no news yet on when the first flights are set to take off. So far, the electric air taxis in the UK include a 15-minute flight from Manchester Airport to Leeds.

On top of that, a trip from Heathrow Airport to central London can also take as little as 8 minutes. The same goes from Heathrow Airport to Canary Wharf with the aircraft, instead of 80 minutes by car. Joby Aviation and Virgin Atlantic eye to expand the network of landing locations across the cities and even communities in the UK. They aim to offer ‘prices that are comparable with existing premium ground ridesharing options at launch.’ The partnership builds on an existing agreement between Joby and Delta Air Lines, which owns a 49 percent stake in Virgin Atlantic.

all images courtesy of Joby Aviation

joby aviation and virgin atlantic to offer back-to-back flights

Design-wise, Joby Aviation’s electric air taxis can carry a pilot and up to four passengers at once. They fly at a speed of up to 200 miles per hour. There are six tilting propellers around the aircraft, helping it take off and land vertically. The aviation company says the noise they produce is a fraction of those produced by today’s helicopters. The design of the electric air taxis set to appear in the UK for to-and-from flights can conduct rapid, back-to-back flights. So far, the expected deployment on routes is up to 100 miles. 

Joby Aviation has completed thousands of test flights, including exhibition flights in New York City, Japan, and Korea at the present time. The company exhibited its aircraft in the UK at the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow. Then in July 2022, it formally applied to have its aircraft validated for use by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). With Virgin Atlantic, customers can book their flights on the aircraft using the airline’s app. Presently, the teams are developing the electric air taxis, with news about the operation in the UK and London yet to be announced.

Joby Aviation and Virgin Atlantic team up to bring electric air taxis in the UK with flights to London

the teams expect to launch ‘zero-emission’ and short-range journeys

the first operation starts within Virgin Atlantic’s hubs at Heathrow and Manchester Airport

so far, the electric air taxis in the UK include a 15-minute flight from Manchester Airport to Leeds

a trip from Heathrow Airport to central London can also take as little as 8 minutes

there’s no news yet on when the first flights are set to take off

project info:

name: Electric air taxis

companies: Joby Aviation, Virgin Atlantic | @jobyaviation, @virginatlantic

The post joby and virgin atlantic to bring electric air taxis to the UK with flights to london in 8 minutes appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Alef Aeronautics’ drivable flying car takes its maiden flight in a city field. The development team has introduced the Alef Model A, the dubbed production version of the drivable flying car that has vertical take-off and landing capabilities. On February 19th, 2025, its test model takes off, even flying over another vehicle. In a LinkedIn post, Alef Aeronautics CEO Jim Dukhovny writes that the video showcasing the flight is ‘the first documented, verifiable flight of a flying car (an actual car, with vertical takeoff, non-tethered).’ 

The CEO adds that he’s been asked a lot of times why he hasn’t shown a video of Alef Aeronautics’ flying car in the air. He says that as a startup, the team has to protect their Intellectual Property, hence not showing everything publicly. ‘We’re obsessed with safety, and we wanted to make sure the car is safe enough for consumers before we actually show it,’ he writes. Jim Dukhovny shares with his following that he’s open to explaining what has happened in the documented video, where it takes place, and where they’re heading next to anyone who’s interested.

all images courtesy of Alef Aeronautics

No exposed propellers for safety 

The Alef Aeronautics flying car conducts its first flight test in a city environment around Santa Mateo, California, in the US. The startup says this is the first publicly released video of a car driving and taking off vertically. For the test, the team closes off the road so no people are under or near the flight path. The area around isn’t also densely populated, and all safety equipment and personnel are on standby. An ultralight version of the Alef Model Zero is used for the flight, and the test is completed without any safety issues.

The first Alef Aeronautics flying car set to be commercialized is the Alef Model A. Since it has the body of a conventional car, owners can park it in spaces and drive it on roads. So far, the team says it has a driving range of 200 miles and a flight range of 110 miles. The vehicle comes with a gimbaled cabin design to keep it stable as it moves through the air as well as an elevon system to control the vertical and horizontal movement of the Alef Aeronautics flying car and its tilting. The team opts out of adding exposed propellers for safety.

the flying car hover above another vehicle during testing

Car with vertical takeoff is 100 percent electric vehicle

At the moment, all the key components on board have triple to octuple redundancy. The vehicle also comes with an obstacle detection and avoidance system, glide landing, and a ballistic parachute. After the test model has taken its first flight, the team continues with flight testing as well as software simulators and analysis before the production can take place. Presently, the Alef Aeronautics flying car is the first vehicle with vertical takeoff to receive FAA permission to fly in the US (FAA Special Airworthiness Certificate). The Alef Aeronautics flying car is a 100 percent electric vehicle. The team says it uses ‘less energy per trip than a Tesla or any other EVs.’

While the Alef Model A is the commercial version, the test model is the Alef Model Zero. It is solely used for research and development in the hopes of becoming the actual Alef Model A. After the Alef Model Zero and Alef Model A, the team plans to develop the Future Alef Model Z. This is a four-person drivable flying sedan. The team sees introducing the upcoming Alef Aeronautics flying car in 2035. They say it can fly 200 miles with a driving range of 400 miles. This version is expected to have autonomous flight capabilities as well, unlike its predecessors. So far, the production of actual Alef Aeronautics flying car has yet to come.

the vehicle takes its maiden flight on February 19th, 2025

the team uses an ultralight version of the Alef Model Zero

real model parked near a house

real-life model of the vehicle

aerial view of the vehicle

the model is a 100 percent electric vehicle

project info:

name: Alef Aeronautics flying car flight

startup: Alef Aeronautics | @alef_aeronautics_inc

The post alef aeronautics’ drivable flying car takes flight for the first time appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

The CityAirbus NextGen’s eVTOL debuts its flight test campaign for the first time in Donauwörth, Germany. Held around November 6th, 2024, Airbus Helicopters’ CEO Bruno Even takes the celebration to X as he announces the beginning of the flight test with the first takeoff of the CityAirbus NextGen’s eVTOL. He extends his thanks to his Airbus teams who have helped allow the eVTOL to fly as part of the company’s Advanced Air Mobility mission.

all images courtesy of Airbus Helicopters

V-shaped tail and electric-powered propellers for the air taxi

Before Bruno Even posts his announcement on X, Airbus has already unveiled the CityAirbus NextGen prototype that they’d use for the flight test campaign. Introduced in March 2024, the fully electric eVTOL has a wing span of around 12 meters. Its wings are fixed, and its shape has a distinctive V-shaped tail. There are eight electric-powered propellers that power the aircraft as part of its distributed propulsion system. The teams look into making it fly with an 80-kilometer range and reach a cruising speed of 120 km/h.

CityAirbus NextGen eVTOL debuts its flight test campaign for the first time in Donauwörth, Germany

Testing center located in Donauwörth, Germany

With these features, the aircraft can be suitable for operations in major cities and not just for commercial and private flights. The testing facility is set at the Airbus center in Donauwörth, Germany, which was unveiled at the same time as the eVTOL prototype. It started its operations in December 2023, and moving forward, the company plans to use it for the remaining evaluations required for the prototype. The company adds that the tests cover the electric motors with their eight rotors as well as the aircraft’s other systems, such as flight controls and avionics.

Airbus unveiled the CityAirbus NextGen eVTOL prototype in March 2024

CityAirbus NextGen’s eVTOL forms part of Airbus’ Air Mobility Initiative goals. In Germany, the company leads a series of research projects that focus on three main areas, namely eVTOL, UTM services, and airport and city integration, including vertiports. The first flight test of the prototype keeps this initiative going and affirms that they’re on the right track. Airbus’ target is also to be able to provide additional flight services to cities and communities. These include the use of eVTOL for medical use cases, shuttle services, and eco-tourism.

the fully electric eVTOL has a wing span of around 12 meters

there are eight electric-powered propellers that power the aircraft as part of its distributed propulsion system

photo of the flight test at the Airbus center in in Donauwörth, Germany

the eVTOL can reach a cruising speed of 120 km/h

project info:

name: CityAirbus NextGen’s eVTOL

company: Airbus | @airbus

The post cityairbus nextgen eVTOL takes flight for the first time in germany appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Volocopter, the mastermind behind the 18-rotor Volocity, announces that it has completed a crewed test flight at the Aerodrome of Saint-Cyr-l’École, the dubbed first commercial vertiport for eVTOLs. The news follows France authorizing Volocopter in July 2024 as the only eVTOL company allowed to take flight in Paris during the 2024 Olympics. Volocity flew high as part of the German manufacturer’s operational validation phase. This is one of the first steps towards making eVTOL taxi services legal and a ‘norm,’ as the company claims, in Paris.

The aircraft only cruised within Volocopter’s approved flight routes in Paris. This flight is a precursor to the eVTOL commercial flights planned by Volocopter and its partner, Groupe ADP, the developer of the Aerodrome of Saint-Cyr-l’École vertiport, across France. During the test flight, the teams flew to and from the vertiport, checked ground handling, communicated with air traffic control, and verified battery charging and management at the vertiport. For the test flight, Volocopter says the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) granted them the permit to fly in Paris, prior to receiving Type Certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Volocopter eVTOLs at the inauguration of Aerodrome of Saint-Cyr-l’École vertiport | all images © Volocopter GmbH

Volocopter seeks type certification for commercial eVTOL flights

Volocopter managed to carry out its test flight at the Aerodrome of Saint-Cyr-l’École vertiport in Paris despite earlier reports of canceled plans. According to a post by AFP, the agency reported that the German manufacturer’s representatives said the test flights of the 18-rotor Volocity were ‘scrapped in Paris during the Olympics as the certification for the engine had not come through.’ Less than 12 hours after the post, Volocopter announced the completion of its test flight. ‘Everyone at Volocopter is incredibly proud of how far the company has come and what it means to fly today at Saint-Cyr-l’École,’ says Dirk Hoke, CEO of Volocopter.

In a previous France24 report, Volocopter sought certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). In the company’s released statement, Volocopter implies that they are still seeking Type Certification from EASA, but that the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) has already granted them the permit to fly in Paris. Dirk Hoke adds that after the test flight amidst the Olympics, Volocopter plans to fly at the Austerlitz vertiport in late 2024. ‘Beyond that, we will focus on obtaining Type Certification for the Volocity and will start the test phase of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Germany together with our partner ADAC Luftrettung in 2025,’ the CEO says.

Volocopter announces that it has completed a crewed test flight at the Aerodrome of Saint-Cyr-l’École

crewed Volocopter eVTOL flying at Aerodrome of Saint-Cyr-l’École

crewed Volocopter 2x flies in front of ADP and Skyports Vertiport at Pontoise-Cormeille testbed in 2022

VoloCity in front of Skyports and ADP Vertiport Terminal at Pontoise-Cormeilles Testbed in 2022

VoloCity at Pontoise-Cormeilles in 2020

Volocopter’s Volocity model at the National Air and Space Museum of France during the Paris Air Forum in 2020

project info:

name: Volocity

company: Volocopter | @volocopter_official

partner: Groupe ADP

vertiport: Aerodrome of Saint-Cyr-l’École

The post volocopter’s eVTOL completes crewed test flight at a vertiport in paris amid 2024 olympics appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Thousands of Flynow Aviation’s eCopters are set to fly hundreds of people visiting Expo 2030 in Riyadh between October 1st and March 31st, 2031. In line with the announcement, the aviation company is gearing up to open a regional office and production line in Saudi Arabia. Here, the Austrian-based company plans to produce and deliver numerous automatic electric helicopters, or eVTOLs, for Expo 2030 use. Yvonne Winter, Flynow Aviation’s Chief Operating Officer, adds that the regional office in Saudi Arabia may open within the next month or two.

Along with this, the company will set up an assembly line for local production and sales, as well as exports to global markets, in the Kingdom. In April 2024, the aviation company signed a partnership with Bayanat, a software company that employs AI-powered predictive geospatial intelligence, during DRIFTx in Abu Dhabi. The deal intended to make urban air mobility through Flynow Aviation’s eCopters available as a new means of transport to the UAE.

all images and video stills courtesy of FlyNow Aviation

Flynow aviation’s automatic electric helicopters use batteries

Mohammed AlQahtani, the CEO of Saudi Arabia Holding Co., shared the news on LinkedIn, stating his source as Asharq Alawsat Online. His post also included an overview of FlyNow Aviation’s automatic electric helicopters. Identified as eVTOLs, they can accommodate one or two people as well as cargo. Its maximum payload is 200 kilos, while its maximum take-off weight is 570 kilos. No one’s flying the eCopters since they are automatic.

One way the aviation company describes it is ‘the cable of a cable car.’ It transports people and cargo using a fixed route, a simple point-to-point destination, unlike autonomous aircraft that choose a path on their own using advanced technologies. Battery-electric drives power Flynow’s helicopters. The eCopters use coaxial rotors, meaning one rotor sits on top of the other on the same shaft, but they spin in opposite directions.

thousands of Flynow Aviation’s eCopters are set to transport people visiting Expo 2030 in Riyadh

Sensors can detect other aircraft in air to avoid collision

FlyNow Aviation draws from NASA’s Mars Helicopter ‘Ingenuity’ for their rotor design. They claim that the space agency’s aircraft was able to generate enough lift even in an atmosphere with a density of 1/100th that of Earth. An electric motor drives each rotos, which in turn consists of four independent units. The aviation company says this can avoid possible motor failures while the eCopters fly in the air. ‘Should one of the motor segments fail, it will be substituted by the three remaining ones,’ says the company.

In terms of potential collisions, the eCopters, equipped with sensors, can detect what’s in front of them. Should they encounter another aircraft or even a bird in the air, the automatic electric helicopters remain stationary for a moment before taking flight again. The technology team is looking into demonstrating this safety feature and adds that the flight behavior is calm due to the fact that the cabin is arranged below the rotors ‘and is simply held in a stable position by gravity,’ says FlyNow Aviation.

the electric aircraft, which is also identified as eVTOL, can accommodate one or two people

As of publishing the story, FlyNow Aviation says they will test their first eCopters with cargo variants and battery-electric drives. This can minimize the licensing and accident risks and make it easier for operators to obtain their pilot permits. Transporting people comes next, but there’s no official timeline yet as to when it’s going to occur. The team started to test their full-scale concept at the beginning of summer 2023 at Salzburg Airport. They shared that the tests were successful at the component level.

They were able to put the entire system of the automatic electric helicopters into operation. These included their mechanical, electrical, acoustic, and systemic criteria. ‘These results are now incorporated into the following series development,’ says the aviation company. The following development might entail the arrival of thousands of eCopters for Expo 2030 in Riyadh. After transporting visitors to the event, these eCopters plan to extend their geographical and functional ranges from supplying sailors on container ships to flying people to remote places.

no one’s flying the eCopters since they are automatic

the eCopters transport people and cargo using a fixed route, a simple point-to-point destination

Flynow Aviation expects to open its regional office in Saudi Arabia within the next month or two

test model of FlyNow Aviation’s automatic electric helicopter

the eCopters are set to be a means of transport during Expo 2030 in Riyadh

luggage compartment inside the electric aircraft

detailed view of the parked eCopter

sensors can detect other aircraft on air to avoid collision

project info:

name: eCopters

company: Flynow Aviation | @flynow_aviation

event: Expo 2030 Riyadh

dates: October 1st, 2030 to March 31st, 2031

The post flynow aviation’s automatic electric helicopters to transport visitors at expo 2030 in riyadh appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Joby Aviation has successfully flown its hydrogen-electric air taxi for 523 miles around its flight test facilities in Marina, California, with water as the only in-flight emission. The eVTOL aircraft was powered by liquid hydrogen, and the landmark flight took place on June 24th, 2024. The air taxi managed to land with more than ten percent of its hydrogen fuel load still in its engine. Days after the successful test flight, Joby Aviation is looking more into enabling regional flights in the US using its hydrogen-electric aircraft, whose only byproduct is water.

JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, imagines people, at least in the US first, being able to fly from San Francisco to San Diego, Boston to Baltimore, or Nashville to New Orleans without the need to go to an airport. Their eVTOL has no emissions except water, and the air taxi makes almost no noise. For the founder and CEO, that future may not be so far from now. For the test flight, the aviation company converted one of its pre-production prototype battery-electric aircraft and fitted it with a liquid hydrogen fuel tank and fuel cell system. Joby plans to start commercial operations as soon as 2025, first its battery-electric air taxi, then its hydrogen eVTOL aircraft.

all images courtesy of Joby Aviation, as well as video stills via Youtube

How the converted evtol aircraft flies

Joby Aviation’s hydrogen-electric air taxi demonstrator comes with six electric propulsion units that power each of the eVTOL aircraft’s tilting propellers. They also charge the flight control system since the batteries focus more on giving extra power for take-off and landing. For most of the test flight, it was only liquid hydrogen that boosted the aircraft, which had more than three times more energy density than gasoline, according to Joby Aviation.

‘Liquid hydrogen is an ideal energy source for weight-sensitive applications like aviation,’ the design team adds. A vacuum-jacketed tank, which could store up to 40 kilos of hydrogen and that the company themselves designed, was on board the hydrogen-electric air taxi demonstrator. Joby Aviation says that the hydrogen they used had been stored at around -423 degrees Fahrenheit, with the exterior of the thermally insulated tank at ambient temperature.

for the test flight, Joby fitted its aircraft with a liquid hydrogen fuel tank and fuel cell system

Joby aviation on flights using hydrogen-electric air taxi

During flight, the fuel cell system received that hydrogen to generate electricity. A company called H2FLY, a subsidiary of Joby Aviation, which they acquired in 2021, made the ‘H2F-175’ fuel cell system. It creates electricity by combining hydrogen with oxygen from the air, and this process also produces water and heat. The electricity then powered the six electric motors on the Joby aircraft and recharged its batteries during the test flight.

Past the testing, Joby Aviation aims to commercialize hydrogen-electric air taxi flights. ‘The vast majority of the design, testing, and certification work we’ve completed on our battery-electric aircraft carries over to commercializing hydrogen-electric flight. In service, we also expect to be able to use the same landing pads, the same operations team, and Joby’s ElevateOS software that will support the commercial operation of our battery-electric aircraft,’ says JoeBen Bevirt. The eVTOL aircraft may begin commercial flights in 2025.

the eVTOL aircraft was powered by liquid hydrogen, and the landmark flight took place on June 24th, 2024

Joby Aviation is looking more into enabling regional flights in the US using its hydrogen-electric aircraft

water is the only emission of the hydrogen-electric air taxi from Joby Aviation

project info:

name: Hydrogen-electric air taxi demonstrator

company: Joby Aviation | @jobyaviation

subsidiary: H2FLY | @h2fly_aviation

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