|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Volocopter has launched an electric ultralight multicopter, building on its long-running efforts to bring the VoloCity eVTOL air taxi to market. The German company announced the new VoloXPro two-seater on Wednesday at the Aero Friedrichshafen show, saying that it aims to get approval as an EASA ultralight-class light sport aircraft by the end of 2026.
At the end of September, Volocopter plans to invite prospective customers to a demonstration event at its Munich-area headquarters. The company, which was rescued from insolvency by being acquired last year by Diamond Aircraft, expects to have a final prototype ready for flight tests in June.
Senior business development manager Marie Masson told a press conference that prospective customers for the VoloXPro—with a base price of €490,000 ($574,000)—could include private pilots, flying clubs, and flight schools. Beyond that, Volocopter also envisages air taxi and tourism applications, as well as some parapublic missions.
The all-electric VoloXPro is expected to have a range of up to 40 kilometers (57 nm) with a cruise speed of 70 kph (47 mph). Chief technology officer David Bausek told reporters this could increase by 25% with the next generation of battery technology.
According to Bausek, operating costs for the VoloXPro will range from €85 to €139 over 20 kilometers, depending on the number of missions flown each year. The model, which is derived from Volocopter’s 2X demonstrator but with some systems drawn from the more advanced VoloCity, should recharge to 80% in 20 minutes or be fully recharged in 25 minutes.
With multiple redundancy, the VoloXPro will be able to continue flying with one of its 18 electric motors out of action. With two motors out, the aircraft can maintain altitude, and if three are lost, the pilot, or a passenger, can hold down the main control stick to initiate a controlled descent. The eVTOL will also be available with a whole-aircraft parachute.
