eVTOL: It's part in the future of flying

[PiperOne]

One of the developing technologies, being pursued by a number of companies, is eVTOL (Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing), and one of the early entrants to this sphere is German company Lilium. Worth a read at

https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/aer ... 05a0ae81e1

To my mind, the technology looks interesting, and an attraction is that it retains fully qualified aircrew as part of the product. The model of a regional service, linking a network of "Vertiports" is an innovative feature, which would allow service to be provided to cities, without requiring conventional airports. Also, the near silent operation of these craft will make them very attractive in urban areas. The downside, initially at least, will be the operating cost, but this should improve as the product develops and matures.

Anyway, have a read and pop your thoughts below..

[egpffqtv]

One of the developing technologies, being pursued by a number of companies, is eVTOL (Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing), and one of the early entrants to this sphere is German company Lilium. Worth a read at

https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/aer ... 05a0ae81e1

To my mind, the technology looks interesting, and an attraction is that it retains fully qualified aircrew as part of the product. The model of a regional service, linking a network of "Vertiports" is an innovative feature, which would allow service to be provided to cities, without requiring conventional airports. Also, the near silent operation of these craft will make them very attractive in urban areas. The downside, initially at least, will be the operating cost, but this should improve as the product develops and matures.

Anyway, have a read and pop your thoughts below..

I posted about this previously on here - looks like Ferrovial are getting in on the act

http://www.gla.scot/forum/viewtopic.php?t=381

[PiperOne]

Pulling the two threads together, then it certainly looks like industry heavyweights on the infrastructure side are already regarding this technology as a serious player in the future. I think we are going to see a revolution equivalent to the invention of the jet engine, but bringing VTOL in right from the start has a great deal of potential to spread aviation around, reducing the need to drive to full-sized airports.

By going for an eJet design, rather than the conventional idea of electric-driven props, there is potential to reduce weight and complexity, which is a step in the right direction, although an equally significant step is the first all-new, EASA certified, electric light aircraft, which is now on sale.

https://www.pipistrel-aircraft.com/airc ... o-easa-tc/

This gets electric aviation in at the ground floor, and sets a baseline for growth.