Electric aircraft show off
Volocopter and BlackFly make debut at EAA AirVenture
A shorter flight by a smaller aircraft, California-based Opener’s BlackFly, was made on the same day, claiming a subtly distinct superlative, the “first public human-operated eVTOL fixed-wing aircraft demonstration.”
Volocopter and Opener are aiming for different markets. BlackFly is a single-seat ultralight that will not require FAA certification, or pilot certification, while the Volocopter 2X is a precursor of the VoloCity commercial air taxi that will carry two passengers and hand luggage, with a maximum payload of 440 pounds, according to the company.
BlackFly, designed by Canadian-born inventor Marcus Leng, will be a flying recreational vehicle, while Volocopter is lined up and waiting for clearance to serve among the first vehicles to facilitate urban air mobility, a subset of a broader concept known as advanced air mobility, which includes longer, regional flights as well as rooftop city service. While BlackFly appears likely to reach the market much sooner, Volocopter is among the leaders in a crowded field of contenders (at least 300 by many counts) seeking to make commercial air taxi service a reality.
“After tens of thousands of miles tested, we are thrilled to have showcased BlackFly and its potential,” Leng said. “This is an exciting time to be at the forefront of personal aerial technology, and we are honored to hold a place in history for the first public demonstration of a human-operated eVTOL fixed-wing aircraft.”
Volocopter’s first U.S. public demonstration lifted off at 2:45 p.m. Central time July 27. Volocopter said the 18-rotor Volocopter 2X flight reached an altitude of about 164 feet and a top speed of 18 mph during its four-minute flight.
“Volocopter successfully conducting the first public manned test flight of an eVTOL company in the [United States] is a milestone for the industry and a reminder that our commercial launch is fast approaching,” said Volocopter CEO Florian Reuter. “Nothing shows just how close we are to launch UAM as a service as does flying an air taxi in front of crowds and inviting people to sit in our aircraft.”
“Oshkosh is a haven for enthusiasts and experts to embrace the pioneering spirit of aviation, and today’s Volocopter flight is one for the history books,” said EAA Vice President of Communities and Member Programming Rick Larsen. “This is the spirit of Oshkosh giving our visitors the chance to experience real pioneers, who will change aviation for good.”
Related Articles
