eVTOL Flying Taxis could be here in weeks
Flying taxis are one step closer as Vertical Aerospace announced that their VX4 eVTOL prototype should be undergoing its first flight tests in the coming weeks. A replica of the prototype was recently revealed at the Farnborough air show
The eVTOL industry is also attracting some big investors, raising $1.3 billion in private investment in 2020. All that despite COVID-19.
One of the main selling points for eVTOL manufacturers is that they have the potential to revolutionise urban mobility. Their applications range from passenger transport to logistics and even healthcare.
But what exactly are eVTOLs?
What are eVTOLs?
VTOLs or Vertical Take-off and Landing vehicles have been around for quite some time. Simply put, these are aircraft that can take off and land vertically. Think helicopters, Harrier Jets and drones.
The lowercase ‘e’ simply denotes that they are electric. This makes the full title ‘electric Vertical Take-off and Landing vehicle’. You can understand why they decided to use an acronym.
These vehicles are being touted as the next revolution in mobility. Being zero-emissions, they offer a cleaner mode of transportation as well as reducing congestion in urban areas. With potential speeds of up to 200mph, they are also posed to be a much quicker way to travel.
Their introduction could also massively improve logistic networks. The technology has the potential to make same-day delivery the norm.
It’s no surprise then that Amazon has been investing heavily in eVTol developer, Beta. Beta has recently been running test flights between two of Amazon’s air hub facilities.
But how far off are eVTOLs from UK airspace?
Well first, extensive testing needs to be carried out to satisfy aviation authorities.
Testing Programme
Image Credit: Vertical Aerospace
Vertical Aerospace has developed its prototype to meet the strict criteria of the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Authority (EASA).
The VX4s development has been validated by both of these agencies. They are currently going through inspections before a piloted flight permit can be issued.
The VX4 will still need to go through a rigorous testing programme before it can begin operating in the UK. This programme has been divided into 6 steps:
1.\Build and Commissioning (Complete)
The VX4 prototype was built over the course of Q1 & Q2 of this year.
2. Ground Tests (Complete)
The VX4 prototype completed a range of tests on the ground. This included vibration testing, lift load tests and propellor thrust tests to confirm that the prototype matched the theorised specifications.
3. Piloted Permit to Fly (Ongoing)
The UK’s CAA has been inspecting the VX4 designs, testing facilities and the prototype itself to determine whether they will issue a piloted permit to fly. As the VX4 meets their eVTOL guidelines, it is expected that this permit will be issued very soon.
4. Tethered Hover (2022)
This is the first off-ground tests that will happen. These will invovled the VX4 hovering about 5ft off the ground whilst tethered. This will enable testing of take-off and landing, control systems, noise and battery performance.
5. Low Speed Flight (2023/24)
This is arguably the first ‘proper’ flight. The VX4 will be tested at heights up to 50ft and at speeds of up to 40 knots (approx. 45mph)
6. Transition and Envelope Expansion (2024)
This is the final stage of testing and will look at how the VX4 copes with moving between hover mode and wing-borne cruising and back. These tests will be carried out between 5000ft – 10,000ft at speeds of up to 145 knots (approx. 166mph).
Who’s flying the VX4?
The flight tests will be piloted by Vertical’s Justin ‘Jif Paines. In the coming weeks, Jif will be in the cockpit testing the VX4’s capabilities.
Jif is an experienced test pilot having served in the RAF. He has been involved in numerous pioneering aviation projects, including the development of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and new V/STOL (vertical/short take-off and landing) control systems.
The future of eVTOLs
Commercially viable eVTOLs, introduced for public use, are expected as early as 2024/25. If testing goes well, it could be even sooner. It seems there is potential for eVTOL taxis to be commercially viable in the UK before autonomous vehicles!
The long-term goal for many in the industry is to develop eVTOLs that can be piloted remotely or even be fully autonomous. Whether the public could get behind a flying vehicle without a pilot is another matter.