Avfoil’s Post

Archer Aviation recently unveiled visuals of the first full transition flight of its Midnight aircraft, which took place on June 8th at their test facilities in Salinas, California. This successful transition flight saw the eVTOL aircraft reaching speeds over 100 mph, marking the second significant test following the flight phase of their smaller demonstrator, Maker, in November 2022. Transitioning, a critical milestone in the eVTOL industry, involves the aircraft taking off vertically, transitioning from thrust-borne to wing-borne flight, and landing vertically. Only a few companies, including BETA TECHNOLOGIES and AutoFlight, have achieved this feat. Adam Goldstein, Archer’s founder and CEO, commented, “Transitioning two generations of full-scale eVTOL aircraft in less than 2 years is another remarkable achievement for Archer’s team. This shows we continue to successfully execute against our plan to create the most efficient path to market with an aircraft that is designed for certification and to be manufactured efficiently at scale.” Archer’s chief technology officer, Tom Muniz, and chief engineer, Dr. Geoffrey Bower, have now successfully built and flown seven full-scale eVTOL aircraft. Bower emphasized, “Successfully completing the transition from hover to wing-borne flight with a full-scale eVTOL aircraft is a tremendous engineering feat that only a handful of companies in the world have achieved. Midnight is believed to be one of the largest eVTOL aircraft ever to achieve transition and one of the first that is purpose-built to carry enough passengers to operate a successful air taxi business.” In addition to expanding Midnight’s flight envelope, Archer's flight test program will begin to fly simulated commercial routes to demonstrate operational readiness. This includes high-rate flight operations and testing additional maneuvers used in commercial settings. Midnight is now in the final “implementation” phase of its type certification program, with piloted flight testing set to begin later this year. Read the full article on our blog. #AvfoilNews #ArcherAviation #eVTOL #MidnightAircraft #UrbanAirMobility #AviationInnovation #AirTaxi #FlightTesting #AerospaceEngineering #SustainableAviation #FutureOfTransport

Investors globally are optimistic about the future of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, attributing their confidence to the industry's emphasis on qualified pilots, according to a study by Horizon Aircraft. A significant 73% of investors anticipate increased public support for eVTOLs in the next three years, with 15% expecting a dramatic surge in confidence. Contrary to skeptics, only 6% foresee a decline in public confidence. Horizon Aircraft, a key player in the eVTOL sector, is unveiling the Cavorite X7, a seven-seat hybrid-electric eVTOL designed for medevac, business aviation, and commercial cargo sectors. The study underscores the crucial role of qualified pilots in building public trust in the eVTOL industry. Read the full article at TheOGM.com. Looking to promote a new product, individual, process, or service? Let us help amplify your message. Contact tina@theogm.com for more information. In need of a company makeover, brand refresh, or an online facelift? Explore our digital media division at DigitalCollateral.ca.

On June 11th, China-based eVTOL company VOLANT AEROTECH announced it secured $14 million (100 million yuan) in its latest Series A Funding Round, as reported by China eVTOL News. This marks Volant’s sixth financial event since its founding in June 2021 and the third hundred-million-yuan financing round completed in 2024. Leading the investment were QF Capital, Anshan High-Tech Industry Investment Co., Ltd., Dunhong Assets, and existing investor Micro Light Venture, with Gengxin Capital serving as the exclusive advisor. This funding will support the advancement of Volant’s VE25 X1 verification aircraft testing and AC101 product aircraft development and manufacturing, targeting entry into the commercial passenger market by 2027. The VE25 X1, Volant’s full-scale passenger eVTOL technology demonstrator, is designed to validate aerodynamics, systems, and configuration. It features eight VTOL propellers for lift, two tail-mounted pusher propellers for forward flight, and fixed skid landing gear. This design forms the basis for a production model intended for advanced aerial mobility, medevac missions, and air cargo. Assembly of the VE25 X1 began in June 2022 in Yixing, Jiangsu Province. The aircraft was unveiled in September 2022, followed by a ground-based power trial in November. The VE25 X1 prototype successfully completed its maiden tethered flight in January 2023. Volant has signed strategic cooperation agreements and Letters of Intent (LOIs) with seven companies, totaling over 700 aircraft orders worth over $2 billion. These orders cover six eVTOL applications: low-altitude sightseeing, training, short-distance transportation, freight transportation, emergency rescue, and urban travel. Notable potential purchasers include China Southern Airlines General Aviation, AVIC International Holding Corporation Aviation Rescue and Emergency, Yalie General Aviation Rescue and Emergency, Huaxia Feidi Technology, and Ruohang Industrial Technology Group. Huang Xiaofei, Senior VP of Volant, commented, “We plan to produce up to five aircraft next year and commence commercial trial runs, aiming for Type Certification as early as 2026. Once certified, Volant intends to begin passenger-carrying operations.” In April, Volant conducted a new round of test flight training in Zigong, Sichuan. This session marked the inaugural formal flight training for the VE25 X1, including ground ballast exercises, rotor maneuvers, low-glide forward flight drills, and revalidation of single propeller stability post-failure, ensuring safe flight after reassembly. #AvfoilNews #VolantAerotech #eVTOL #AerialMobility #UrbanAirMobility #SustainableTransport #AdvancedAviation #Investment #Innovation #AerospaceTechnology #FutureOfFlight

The Moya Aero eVTOL project is forging ahead, marking significant progress in redefining the aviation landscape with its innovative approach to air logistics optimization. Led by a dedicated team, Moya has achieved 87 successful flights, validating and certifying its aircraft through a meticulously planned testing campaign spanning seven crucial phases. Currently in Phase 4, Moya focuses on fine-tuning the aircraft's vertical flight capabilities, enabling pilots to control frontal and lateral velocity, a pivotal step towards achieving automatic takeoff, mission execution, and auto-landing capabilities. Looking ahead, Moya remains committed to pushing boundaries in 2024, advancing through Phase 5's vertical mission tasks, Phase 6's transition to horizontal flight, and culminating in Phase 7, where seamless vertical and horizontal operations mark mission completion. "We are excited about the future of air travel and the transformative potential of eVTOL technology in the logistics sector," stated Moya. With a strong track record of successful flights and a clear vision for continued innovation, Moya aims to revolutionize the industry with safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation solutions. For a deeper dive into Moya's groundbreaking work and insights into the future of eVTOL technology, visit our blog. #AvfoilNews #eVTOL #AviationTechnology #FutureOfFlight #MoyaProject #AirLogistics

The only way forward in aviation: NYC prepares for electric aircraft operations around the city New York City (NYC) has announced an agreement with Atlantic Aviation to prepare for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft operations in the City. Atlantic Aviation has extended its concession agreement with New York City’s Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and the City of New York for operations at the East 34th Street Heliport for the next five years. Atlantic plans to soon begin a project to upgrade utility infrastructure and install charging stations at the heliport to support the eVTOL operations. The East 34th Street Heliport facility provides support for helicopter operations in and around NYC and serves as a key facility to handle flights for the adjacent NYU Langone Health Center. Atlantic is actively working with partners BETA Technologies, Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation, and others to understand aircraft needs and adapt the site for eVTOL operations. NYCEDC President & CEO Andrew Kimball stated the department’s ambition for the eVTOL operations to become a “true asset for New Yorkers.” NYC is reportedly poised to be a key market for early eVTOL operations, and Atlantic’s project at the 34th Street Heliport will play a critical role in the region’s introduction of these innovative aircraft. https://lnkd.in/eSd3Q7xQ

Eve Air Mobility Names KAI as Supplier for eVTOL Pylons Korea Aerospace Industries Embraer Eve Air Mobility   Eve Air Mobility ("Eve") (NYSE: EVEX; EVEXW) has named Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI), as supplier for its electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft’s pylons. Pylons are a key component of the airframe that provide support for the aircraft’s electric power units and eight lift propellers.   “KAI has an excellent reputation for quality, technology and business performance supplying numerous aerostructure components for a variety of aircraft including Embraer’s E-Jet E2 model,” said Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve. “We are excited to have KAI join a strong and diverse list of suppliers who will work with us to supply components from prototype through production.”   During the past 30 years, KAI has supplied major aerostructure components to global aircraft manufacturers, including Embraer for its E-Jet E2 model. The agreement marks KAI’s formal entry into the advanced air mobility (AAM) market. Last year, KAI CEO Goo Young Kang designated space and future air mobility as the company’s core future businesses through its 2050 vision declaration. KAI recently announced a significant investment in production infrastructure with the goal of growing its market share in the rapidly growing AAM market going forward.   KAI is the latest supplier for Eve’s eVTOL to be named by Eve. In February, Eve named Aciturri (wing skin, spars and leading/trailing edges of the wing) and Crouzet (pilot controls) as suppliers. In January, Eve announced that Thales would supply sensors and a computer, while Honeywell would supply guidance, navigation and external lighting. RECARO Aircraft Seating was selected to supply the eVTOL’s seats and FACC will supply the horizontal and vertical tail including the rudder and elevator. In 2023, Eve selected Garmin to supply the aircraft’s avionics, Liebherr-Aerospace to supply the flight controls actuators and Intergalactic to provide the thermal management system. The company also named Nidec Aerospace, LLC, a joint venture between Nidec and Embraer, to provide the electric propulsion system, BAE Systems to provide the energy storage system and Duc Hélice Propellers to supply the rotors and propeller.   Last year, the company announced that its first eVTOL production facility will be located in the city of Taubaté, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The company has begun assembly of its first full-scale eVTOL prototype which will be followed by a test campaign. Eve’s eVTOL is scheduled to begin deliveries and enter into service in 2026.   Concurrently, Eve continues to develop a comprehensive portfolio of agnostic service and operations solutions, including Vector, a unique Urban Air Traffic Management software to optimize and scale Urban Air Mobility operations worldwide.

BETA TECHNOLOGIES has unveiled an early look at the passenger layout of its Alia eVTOL aircraft. The company is taking a staged approach to passenger aircraft service entry and plans to enter its cargo- and medical-focused variant as soon as 2025, with the passenger aircraft unveiled today following at a later date. “At BETA, we see electric aviation technology as transcending one single mission set,” said Kyle Clark, BETA’s founder and CEO. “We designed Alia to be a versatile platform that has tons of capability across sectors, and now we’re starting to step into that vision. With their high dispatch rate and low maintenance and operational energy costs, our electric passenger aircraft will unlock new routes for operators, further increasing the size of the pie.” The firm’s passenger-focused aircraft is designed to be able to carry up to five passengers plus a pilot. Despite accommodating an extra passenger versus many of the other leading eVTOL developers, BETA says the cabin also has volume to accommodate carry-on as well as TSA secure luggage. Read full: https://lnkd.in/e2rnvQWA

By the end of this year and certainly by 2025, Chris Bradshaw suggests we'll likely see the first of at least seven #eVTOL models and one #eSTOL aircraft that Bristow Group has its sights on for potential orders in their fleet, targeting markets like Europe, the US, and the UK. Bristow Group has partnered with BETA TECHNOLOGIES, Elroy Air, Lilium, Vertical Aerospace, Volocopter, Overair, Eve Air Mobility, and Electra.aero for potential aircraft orders. Recent news surrounding some of these OEMs has made this space particularly intriguing. One thing is for sure: Bristow Group aims to be a market leader in this space. #advancedairmobility #aam #helicopter #uk #europe #usa