Latest news with #DoronMerdinger
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Personal Flying Cars May Be Luxury's New Status Symbol
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. In the future, having a flying car will be a unique and cutting-edge status symbol, even more than owning a customized Maybach or Rolls-Royce. Elite travelers will take to the skies, avoiding traffic, in their personal vehicles. Doroni Aerospace is on the cutting edge of the market. The company recently secured $180 million in investment to bring America's first personal flying car to market. The very modern company has its roots in the cartoons of the space age. "My whole life I've been fantasizing about flying cars—ever since I was young. I grew up watching shows like The Jetsons, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Back to the Future—all the futuristic stuff," Doroni Aerospace CEO Doron Merdinger told Newsweek. "The idea basically started at the end of 2016. I had a 'eureka' moment when I saw this kid playing with a drone," he continued. "2016 was around the time when drones really started to be seen more frequently. I saw how accurately they flew, how sustainable they were, and how easy they were to control. I knew it was only going to progress." Rendering of a Doroni Aerospace flying car. Rendering of a Doroni Aerospace flying car. Doroni Aerospace The vision of what flying cars could look like led Merdinger to begin Googling like-minded people. "I knew I needed engineers from different specialties—like aerospace, battery technology, structural engineering, and more. Eventually, I pulled together a team: Ukrainian aerospace engineers, UK software systems engineers, and a battery expert from the U.S.," he said. The first concept the newly-formed team came up with was an open single-seater, something Merdinger likens to a flying motorcycle. "But over time, I realized that the open cockpit wasn't the most compelling or sustainable concept. You want to feel comfortable and secure," he said. By 2021, the company was approached by potential investors and shifted focus to a roadster-style two-seater prototype called the H1-P1. It was equipped with four ducted fans embedded inside the wings, engineering the company patented, and two rear thrusters. With advanced technology and market feasibility comes added challenges. "We understood the challenges drones and helicopters face. For example, drones need to tilt more as they speed up, which can be uncomfortable for passengers and inefficient from an energy standpoint. That's why we knew ducted fans would set us apart. They offer key advantages: safety from bird strikes or people getting close, the ability to fly near urban areas or trees, better energy efficiency and lower noise levels. Plus, they look better—clean and compelling," Merdinger said. In the post-COVID years, Doroni has been focused on developing a viable product that it can bring to market. The Doroni H1-X combines electric power with vertical takeoff and landing technology (eVTOL). "In February 2023, we began test flights. I even flew inside the full-scale H1-P1 myself. We have also secured a special airworthiness certification from the FAA. That was huge as it shows the FAA is beginning to recognize and provide credibility for vehicles like ours," Merdinger said. The company continues to raise funds. "Once the funding comes in, we'll expedite the vehicle's development. We'll have a 24-month runway where we will be focused on development and extensive testing, and parallel work on certification. There will be a lot of testing and building as we approach the product launch," the CEO said. The company's website touts the H1-X production model's fast recharge time. It can bring its state of charge up to 80 percent in 25 minutes under ideal charging conditions. It is said to be able to fly for 40 minutes at a time with a range of 60 miles. Owners will be able to take off and land their Doroni eVTOL on the flat rooftop of a two-car garage, or at one of the country's vertiports. A number of airfields and airports across the country are installing vertiports, including at some military bases. Potential customers can reserve their H1-X with a $1,000 deposit. The expected cost of the unit is estimated to be around $350,000, about the same price as a Rolls-Royce Ghost. "We currently have over 500 pre-order requests, many of whom have already put down deposits. All the pre-orders so far have come from individuals, which we like. We want to work closely with our first buyers to understand how they see this vehicle fitting into their lives, how they use it, how safe it feels. It's about learning together and delivering the safest, most groundbreaking personal vehicle possible," he said. The company predicts that it won't be able to deliver its eVTOL to customers until at least 2026. "We expect the MOSAIC rules approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to stretch into 2026. We're introducing a whole new category of vehicles. It's important to take our time, work closely with the FAA, and do things the right way. We know this is disruptive technology which is why we need to stay grounded—no pun intended. We're creating something entirely new. It's important to stay cautious, iterate carefully, and remain aligned with the FAA," Merdinger said. The FAA's MOSAIC (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification) rules are designed to expand the current light-sport aircraft category to include eVTOLs and other advanced aircraft. "Once we're out there, the market will only grow exponentially. Companies are already approaching us with use cases—from luxury shuttle systems flying from New York to Tokyo in under an hour, to servicing wind turbines in remote ocean locations, and to farming. The use cases are endless," he concluded. New York to Tokyo in under an hour may seem impossible at first glance. However, transportation and aerospace engineers are working on making it a reality. The 6,700-mile journey could be possible in three segments: a 20-minute flight using Doroni's H1-X from the passenger's home to the departure shuttle, a high-speed transcontinental flight lasting approximately 20 minutes and a final 20-minute flight from the arrival shuttle directly to the passenger's final destination. Rendering of a Doroni Aerospace flying car charging. Rendering of a Doroni Aerospace flying car charging. Doroni Aerospace Fortune Business Insights projects that the flying car market will be valued at $1.53 trillion USD by 2040. There are several companies in the eVTOL development space, including Joby Aviation, which acquired Uber's flying car unit in late 2020. Uber then invested $75 million in the company. Lilium, Archer Aviation and Vertical Aerospace are also working on eVTOL travel, as is aerospace powerhouse company Airbus.
Al Bawaba
04-03-2025
- Automotive
- Al Bawaba
Saudi Arabia to manufacture flying cars in partnership with US firm
Published March 4th, 2025 - 03:50 GMT ALBAWABA – Saudi Arabia is partnering with Doroni Aerospace, a pre-revenue aerospace engineering and manufacturing company, to manufacture and sell flying cars. Also Read Tesla raises prices of S-line cars in the US by $5,000 Saudi Arabia to make and sell flying cars Doroni Aerospace, a US-based aerospace company, has developed a practical, efficient, and cost-effective electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) mobility platform and secured $30 million in investment to manufacture its H1-X personal investment was made in partnership with Innovation Wings Industries (IWI), a Saudi Arabia-based aerospace engineering firm operating under the name Kingdom Aero Industries (KAI). This partnership aims to manufacture and sell the H1-X, a sleek, modern, two-passenger eVTOL concept aircraft designed for advanced air mobility (AAM). Notably, the H1-X is designed for personal use, with the convenience of being parked in home garages and charged at home. The aircraft is expected to be priced at $350, to the agreement, the Saudi and US firms plan to begin manufacturing and selling the flying cars in Saudi Arabia by 2027. With Kingdom Aero Industries (KAI) providing the $30 million investment, the company will hold approximately 40% of the total shares in Doroni Aerospace.'We are excited to welcome Kingdom Aero Industries as a strategic investor and manufacturing partner. This investment fuels and accelerates the H1-X development, while our joint venture will establish the production infrastructure necessary for global distribution,' stated Doron Merdinger, Founder and CEO of Doroni Aerospace. CEO of KAI, Ismail Kashkash, commented: 'This partnership aligns with our mission to bring transformative air mobility solutions to the world. We are proud to help drive Doroni's vision and establish a world-class manufacturing hub in Saudi Arabia.' Also Read Scientists develop shape-shifting tiny robots © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (
Express Tribune
03-03-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Saudi Arabia invests $30m in flying car manufacturing
Saudi Arabia has committed $30 million to the development of flying cars, partnering with American company Doroni Aerospace. The investment, announced in a press release, is set to accelerate the production of the HX-1, a two-seater electric aircraft designed for personal use. Doroni Aerospace, based in Pompano Beach, Florida, secured the strategic investment from Innovation Wings Industries (IWI), operating as Kingdom Aero Industries (KAI) in Saudi Arabia. According to Doroni's CEO, Doron Merdinger, the agreement includes plans for a joint venture to begin manufacturing the HX-1 in Saudi Arabia starting in 2027. The HX-1 is an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which can be charged at home, parked in a two-car garage, and take off from a driveway. This partnership will accelerate the development of the eVTOL technology, with the goal of launching the aircraft by 2026. The $30 million investment will be made in two phases: an initial $5 million at closing, with the remaining $25 million tied to key milestones in the next two years. Upon completion, KAI will hold a 40% stake in Doroni. 'This partnership aligns with our mission to bring transformative air mobility solutions to the world,' said Merdinger. 'We are proud to help drive Doroni's vision forward and establish a world-class manufacturing hub in Saudi Arabia.' This move is part of Saudi Arabia's broader Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to diversify the country's economy beyond oil and invest in advanced technologies like flying cars.
Leaders
03-03-2025
- Automotive
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Partners with US Firm to Launch 'Flying Cars'
Saudi Arabia has teamed up with Doroni Aerospace, a US company, to manufacture and export the revolutionary H1-X 'flying car.' This partnership signifies a major step towards advanced personal transportation solutions. The H1-X is a two-seater aircraft designed for personal use. It can conveniently fit in a two-car garage and recharge at home. This innovative aircraft takes off vertically from a driveway, making it ideal for urban environments. Doroni Aerospace, headquartered in Pompano Beach, Florida, announced a $30 million investment from Innovation Wings Industries (IWI), also known as Kingdom Aero Industries (KAI) in Saudi Arabia. This funding will accelerate the development of the H1-X's electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) system. Expanding Market Reach According to a press release from Doroni, the partnership aims to launch the H1-X by the end of 2026. The joint venture will start manufacturing the aircraft in Saudi Arabia in 2027, enabling global distribution. This deal will help expand Doroni's market reach significantly. The $30 million investment includes an initial $5 million payment due at closing, with the remaining $25 million contingent on achieving key development milestones over the next two years. After the investment, KAI will own a 40% stake in Doroni, subject to future capital raises. Doroni CEO Doron Merdinger emphasized the acceleration of various processes: 'This investment speeds up development, certification, and production. We aim to bring the H1-X to market by the end of 2026.' KAI's CEO, Ismail Kashkash, joined Doroni's Board of Directors as part of the agreement. He expressed confidence in Doroni, stating, 'This partnership aligns with our mission to provide transformative air mobility solutions to the world.' Vision 2030 and Economic Diversification Saudi Arabia's investment in advanced transportation technology aligns with its Vision 2030 goals. The initiative aims to diversify the economy, reducing reliance on oil revenues and embracing innovative solutions. This partnership represents a significant leap forward in personal mobility, positioning Saudi Arabia at the forefront of transportation innovation. Short link : Post Views: 71
Zawya
03-03-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia to partner with US company to manufacture and export 'flying taxis'
RIYADH — The American Doroni Aerospace company announced that it has decided, in partnership with Saudi entities, to manufacture H1-X 'flying car.' Designed for personal use, the HX-1 is a two-seater aircraft that can be parked in a two-car garage, charged at home, and can take off vertically from a driveway. Doroni Aerospace, a company based in Pompano Beach in Florida, said it has secured a $30 million strategic investment from Innovation Wings Industries (IWI), operating as Kingdom Aero Industries (KAI) in Saudi Arabia. This investment will accelerate the company's H1-X's eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) development, bringing Doroni closer to its goal of launching the aircraft by the end of 2026, said Doroni in a press release. 'The definitive agreement includes plans for a joint venture to manufacture the H1-X in Saudi Arabia, starting in 2027, said Doroni. 'The joint venture, co-owned and financed by KAI, will produce and distribute the aircraft globally, expanding Doroni's market reach. Formalization of the agreement is expected in the coming months. The $30 million investment includes an initial $5 million to be invested at the closing, with the remaining $25 million tied to key development milestones over the next two years. Upon completion, KAI will hold a 40 percent stake in Doroni, subject to future capital raises. Doroni CEO Doron Merdinger said: 'This investment accelerates everything—scaling development, certification, production, and hiring the best aerospace minds in the world to bring the H1-X to market by the end of 2026. We couldn't be more excited for what's ahead,' he said. The agreement stipulates that KAI will produce the aircraft jointly with Doroni and distribute it around the world. Expected to be formalized in the coming months, the deal includes plans for a joint venture to manufacture the H1-X in Saudi Arabia from 2027 – expanding Doroni's global footprint. KAI's investment will be made in stages – an initial $5 million is due upon the closing of the deal which is expected within 30 days. The remaining $25 million will be tied to key development milestones over the next two years. Upon completion, KAI will hold a 40 percent stake in Doroni subject to future capital raises, and CEO of KAI Ismail Kashkash has also joined Doroni's Board of Directors as part of the deal. 'We believe Doroni is leading the future of personal eVTOL mobility, and the H1-X represents that future,' Kashkash said. 'This partnership aligns with our mission to bring transformative air mobility solutions to the world. We are proud to help drive Doroni's vision forward and establish a world-class manufacturing hub in Saudi Arabia,' he said. Saudi Arabia is investing in advanced transportation technology as part of Vision 2030 projects, which aim to diversify the Saudi economy away from relying on oil revenues alone. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
