9T Labs’ Post

🚀 Advanced Aerial Mobility: Aerospace Speed and Safety at Premium Automotive Production Volumes! According to a recent report by Roland Berger, the future of Advanced Aerial Mobility (AAM) is closer than we think—10,000 orders for eVTOL (electrical Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft were placed by the end of 2023! However, despite this promising demand, investment in the nascent AAM sector has slowed due to macroeconomic pressures and a realization that the market's development will take longer than initially expected. A new joint study by Roland Berger and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) dives into the unit economics of eVTOLs, examining three passenger use cases. The study highlights that the primary cost drivers include aircraft costs, flight operations, maintenance, and vertiport infrastructure. 🔧 At 9T Labs, we’re proud to be at the forefront of innovation when it comes to have a positive impact on decreasing the aircraft & operation costs. Our additive fusion technology (AFT)™ plays a crucial role in reducing the weight of eVTOLs while ensuring scalability and cost competitiveness. This is why Dufour Aerospace has selected 9T Labs as a supplier for structural composite connectors like brackets and hinges for their Aero2 uncrewed tilt-wing aircraft. By utilizing our advanced manufacturing processes, Dufour Aerospace is further reducing the weight of Aero2, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable aerial mobility solutions. For a deeper dive into the economics and future of eVTOLs, check out the full study here: https://lnkd.in/dQsiVc-a #Aerospace #AdvancedAerialMobility #eVTOL #Innovation #AFT #Sustainability #9TLabs #DufourAerospace #RolandBerger #Composites

Dive into the great perspective provided by Shobha Kulavil , Vice President and Industry Platform Leader for Aerospace and Defence – India, Capgemini, on the recent trends in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) that are redefining the industry's future, including eVTOLs (Electric Vertical Take Off and Landing), 3D-printed prototypes, and more.

🚁 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝘁-𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝗩𝗧𝗢𝗟 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 🚁 AFP has long set the standard for automated composite manufacturing, and its accessibility is soaring. With AFP systems increasing by over 20–25% annually, and supporting a growing range of materials, we're witnessing broader applications across industries. One exciting frontier is the eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) sector—think flying taxis and small, maneuverable aircraft, whether powered by electricity or gasoline. The AFP system pictured here, mounted on a KUKA robot, is specifically developed to be the workhorse for eVTOL production. For companies embarking on manufacturing flying taxis or small planes, integrating an AFP system like this is transformative. It allows you to: • Optimize your composite layups for superior performance. • Precisely place selective reinforcements where they matter most. • Leverage digitization from day one for streamlined production. By adopting AFP technology early, you set your production apart—enhancing efficiency, quality, and innovation from the get-go. 🛠️ 𝗜𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴? #AFP #eVTOL #CompositeManufacturing #AerospaceInnovation #AutomatedProduction #FlyingTaxis #FutureOfAviation

How is Vertical Aerospace positioning itself to lead in zero-emission aviation? The company’s newly announced “Flightpath 2030” strategy maps out an ambitious plan to transition from prototype to large-scale production, with a strong focus on pioneering technology, high safety standards, and capital efficiency. As Vertical advances into Phase 2 of its piloted flight test program, CEO Stuart Simpson emphasized the goal to lead the eVTOL sector by delivering the safest, most versatile aircraft with a compelling business model. The company’s VX4 aircraft, designed with a robust powertrain, anticipates certification by 2028 and the delivery of over 150 units by the decade’s end. The target production rate? Over 200 units annually by Q4 2030, scaling to more than 700 units per year to fulfill a substantial pre-order book. With strategic partnerships, including collaborations with GKN Aerospace, Honeywell, and Leonardo, Vertical aims to integrate top-tier innovations and proprietary technology in every stage of development. Appointing Ross Crawford to lead manufacturing, the company sets sights on high-quality production ramp-up. Vertical’s focus on safety includes achieving the same certification level as commercial airliners (10^-9 accident rate), ensuring robust standards across operations. Vertical’s mission is further supported by a recent Civil Aviation Authority endorsement, expansion of its Design Organisation Approval, and advancements in proprietary battery tech. Future milestones include additional VX4 prototypes, real-world test flights, and continued progression in CAA certification by 2025. Where will Vertical's Flightpath 2030 take the future of sustainable flight? Let’s discuss your thoughts in the comments. Visit our blog for the full article and more in-depth details: https://lnkd.in/gYXCfDPA #AvfoilNews #VerticalAerospace #eVTOL #ZeroEmissionAviation #Flightpath2030 #SustainableAviation #VX4Aircraft #ElectricAviation #CAA #AerospaceInnovation #AviationSafety #FutureOfFlight

Horizon Aircraft has unveiled significant updates showcasing progress in critical technology aspects of its unique aircraft, as detailed in a recent press release. Key Technical Highlights: 1. Yaw Control System Validation: Horizon has successfully validated the patent-pending yaw control system, a crucial component of its patented HOVR Wing technology. This system ensures precise hover and performance even in strong crosswinds, enhancing passenger comfort and pilot control. 2. Full-scale Propulsion Unit Production: The company has commenced production of the full-scale propulsion unit, marking a significant step towards building the prototype aircraft. Detailed design and aerodynamic analysis have paved the way for physical testing, a key milestone in the development process. 3. Large-scale Prototype Progress: Horizon's large-scale prototype continues to achieve technological milestones in its flight-testing program under Transport Canada - Transports Canada’s Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC). Scheduled transitional flight tests are on track for completion by mid-summer, showcasing expected stability and control. Brandon Robinson, Chairman and CEO of Horizon, expressed confidence in the company's progress, highlighting the impressive stability and control demonstrated during testing phases. He emphasized Horizon's innovative technology, practical approach, and team capability in meeting project timelines. The release also outlines Horizon's strategic advantages with its Cavorite X7 eVTOL design, promising enhanced speed and cargo capacity compared to competitors. The patented wing system allows for versatile mission configurations, and a hybrid electric main power system ensures efficiency and safety with in-flight battery recharging capabilities. Horizon Aircraft's Management Team is set to engage in key investor and trade events, including the EF Hutton Annual Global Investor Conference and The Aéro Montréal International Aerospace Innovation Forum, underscoring the company's commitment to industry collaboration and growth. For detailed insights into Horizon's groundbreaking aircraft development journey, visit our blog. #AvfoilNews #HorizonAircraft #AerospaceInnovation #eVTOLTechnology #FutureOfFlight #AdvancedAirMobility

Talk about some nifty mechanical and aeronautical engineering... I love looking at this image of a tilt-rotor installed on the Archer Midnight eVTOL. It's a clear testament to the impressive expertise of some of these startups looking to disrupt vertical lift. But before you also go overboard on this technology do a read through the end of this post - it may upset your world view of the design space. There are six of these thrust vectoring propulsion units on the Midnight and they provide powered-lift in the vertical regime as well as thrust for wing-borne flight when tilted forward ninety degrees. One of the proposed selling points of an eVTOL over a conventional rotary wing is mechanical simplicity and lower maintenance. The helicopter is obstensibly more complex with many more moving parts that can wear out or breakdown, which may contribute to increased maintenance and a higher direct operating cost. But this tilt-rotor setup looks pretty sophisticated to me with collective pitch control of the blades, an integrated gear box, and a tilt mechanism with several articulating linkages and moving parts. I suspect the pilot will want to make a close inspection of these propulsion units before departure including checking their full range of motion. This could slow things down a bit when the business model calls for high tempo operations and the timely orchestration of a fleet of air taxis. And a DEP concept with several fairly complex tilt-rotors increases the odds that remedial maintenance may be required that could negatively impact the dispatch reliability of the platform. Finally, I've recently heard from a prominent figure in the eVTOL industry who claims tilt-rotors leave something to be desired... by being inherently off-point in their propulsive efficiency or figure of merit for one phase of flight - neutering any reduction in drag and associated range improvement expected when dismissing dedicated fixed lifters and props under a lift+cruise design, where the drag is actually a lesser penalty than poor propulsive efficiency. I'm told the math bears this out. Whoa Nelly! #eVTOL #TiltRotor #LiftPlusCruise image credit: Archer Aviation

https://lnkd.in/gQywW8ep As I’ve stated previously, composites are incredibly light and strong and can be adapted for a plethora of applications like construction, automotive, buildings, bridges, medical, and of course aerospace! Have a look at this eVTOL vehicle that we may all be using soon! With a 20% increase in power-to-weight ratio, (previous versions) enabling the aircraft to reach speeds of up to 150 miles per hour, and the adaptability of an eVTOL platform the benefits are endless – Air taxi anyone? 

Vertical Aerospace's latest VX4 prototype underwent its first tethered pilot hover test as it began its flight test phase. The test aircraft flew loosely tethered to the ground, during which Vertical measured more than 20,000 flight and system parameters to verify thrust, handling quality and system performance.The tethered flight took place after the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issued Vertical with a permit to fly the prototype.Vertical must submit documentation to the CAA to complete each flight test phase.These documents cover safety protocols, engineering specifications and operating procedures.After these initial tethered flights, with permission from the CAA, the VX4 prototype will proceed to the next phase of testing.This phase will begin with thrust flight testing to expand the flight envelope and gradually evolve to vertical takeoff and landing, as well as low-speed flight maneuvers with lift generated by propellers.After this, the aircraft will be flight-tested in conventional flight (CTOL) mode, followed by the final test phase of manned transition flight. Prior to last week's tethered flight test, the VX4 completed a ground test program that included propulsion tether testing.Stuart Simpson, Chief Executive of Vertical Aerospace, said: “The first tethered flight of our new VX4 prototype is the culmination of 14 months of hard work - taking this advanced aircraft from design to development to its current flight in the air.“"This moment is a testament to the skill and commitment of hundreds of talented colleagues across our business who have made our VX4 aircraft the best eVTOL available today.""Everyone at Vertical Aerospace is focused on enabling the Flyer Transformation as we continue to move toward our ultimate goal of commercializing and creating a new legacy for the aviation industry." The latest VX4 is more powerful than the previous full-size prototype, with a 20 percent increase in its power-to-weight ratio, enabling the aircraft to reach speeds of up to 150 mph (240 km / h) - the expected cruising speed of certified aircraft.The production aircraft is designed to carry four passengers. The latest prototype also features improved architecture and subsystems and is close to the final production version. Type certification for the VX4 is scheduled for 2026. #aviation #aviationdaily #aviationnews #AviationUpdate #aviationlovers #aviationgeek #technology #SasidharanMurugan #Itzmemsd

We are in the pre consolidation phase of “Space” let’s see how matters progress.

It's been an interesting few weeks with Reaction Engines and Lilium going bust, both making strong pleas to local government to back further operations, falling short and losing over 1000 jobs combined. Both are large scale air/space mobility projects with mountains of R&D to tackle before flight trials and significant commercial returns, which has strong similarities to the emerging launch-service sector. An interesting factor is both firms reliance on Tier 1 avionics manufacturers such as Honeywell, Collins Aerospace and Garmin (in Liliums case), and with Reaction Engines likely to use hardware offered by their backers BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and Boeing. Lilium burnt through €1B+ for an unmanned sub-scale vehicle, should every project like Lilium or Reaction Engines rely on Tier 1 suppliers? Most small launch-service firms don't think so, the majority are developing these systems in-house. However, these can be multi-million Euro projects with many years of development and trials to maintain alignment with the constantly-moving target of vehicle specifications. Both solutions will deliver on the specification eventually, but at enormous expense and time, so we're back to where we started... What is needed is a halfway-house solution, which provides cost-effective reliability, and the flexibility needed to reconfigure these systems as the specifications of a rocket or an eVTOL aircraft evolves. Without investing €€€s into Tier 1 suppliers, these firms may have survived longer than they did, potentially reaching commercial viability. My co-founder Rowland Fraser and I set up Aurora Avionics to provide these flexible avionics systems for the space and air mobility market, allowing firms to remain flexible on development and integration. We provide a simple ecosystem of qualified and abundant flight hardware, supporting the testing of new systems on the ground, with a clear route to flight-ready hardware. Allowing firms to focus on critical R&D activities. If you're developing advanced robotics systems, get in touch! Aurora Avionics enquiries@aav.space #Avionics #Launch #eVTOL #ReactionEngines #Lilium #Aerospace