Latest news with #electricAircraft
The Independent
7 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Britain's first-ever flying taxi takes to the skies over the Cotswolds
Britain's first-ever flying taxi has completed its first journey as the government backs plans to introduce the service by 2028. The prototype VX4 electric aircraft is the first of its kind to complete a cross-country trip from the Cotswolds in normal airspace outside of test conditions in European aviation history. Developed by Bristol-based start-up Vertical Aerospace, the vehicle is capable of carrying one pilot and four passengers, and can reach speeds of up to 150 mph across a distance of 100 miles. Last month, the government announced £20 million of funding to make the use of commercial drones and flying taxi services a reality. The Department for Transport (DfT) and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will be supported by the new Regulatory Innovation Office, which aims to cut red tape to ensure new technology reaches the public sooner. Chief test pilot Simon Davies said: 'Taking the aircraft beyond the airfield and cruising over the Cotswolds for the first time was truly special and a career highlight for me. 'Our performance predictions were absolutely spot on, and the aircraft took off as a natural extension of all the ground tests and preparation we've done. There are aircraft which are safe and capable but not always enjoyable to fly. 'The VX4 was not only safe but was an absolute pleasure. It is responsive, smooth, simple to operate and the sound level from the propellers is quiet and pleasant in the cockpit. An honour to fly, and a real testament to the incredible team behind it.' Industry experts believe the flying taxis could improve connectivity across the UK, with a journey from Brighton to Heathrow estimated to be just 20 minutes. In March, US company Joby Aviation announced its collaboration with Virgin Atlantic which aims to offer 'seamless, zero-emission, short-range journeys across the UK', starting with hubs at Heathrow and Manchester Airport. Joby's electric air taxi is designed to carry a pilot and up to four passengers at speeds of up to 200mph. Labour MP Alice Macdonald raised a scheme by Norwich Airport that aims to 'make East Anglia the heart of aviation innovation' and invited the transport minister to 'take a flight on an electric plane'. Transport minister Mike Kane stressed to MPs earlier this month the government's commitment to "maximise the benefits of future flight technologies, including flying taxis'.
The Sun
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Incredible moment Britain's first ever flying taxi takes to UK skies with speeds of 150mph and room for four passengers
BRITAIN'S first ever flying taxi has taken to the skies in a successful flight over the Cotswolds. The electric aircraft has room for four passengers, can reach speeds of 150mph and can take of and land vertically like a helicopter. 4 4 The prototype VX4 electric aircraft was flown by pilot Simon Davies across the Cotswolds. Footage of the flight showed the aircraft spinning up its rotors and taking to the skies. With propellers that can hold the craft in a hovering pattern or rotate and perform like a traditional plane the aircraft can use a runway or take off vertically. It boasts a range of up to 100 miles which it can cover in less than an hour of flying. Developed by Bristol-based Vertical Aerospace, the flying taxi took off and landed using Cotswolds Airport's runway after receiving approval form the Civil Aviation Authority. Video footage of the flight showed off the aircraft's impressive capabilities in its first flight outside of strictly controlled test conditions. It comes after the government set a target to make flying taxis a reality by 2028. Vertical Aerospace's VX4 flight marked the first open airspace flight of a flying taxi in Europe. A hover test of the aircraft was carried out in January and rivals have undertaken test flights in the US and Dubai. Vertical Aerospace has received millions of pounds in UK Government funding to develop the aircraft. The company has also received tens of millions of pounds of funding from private investors. Last month the Government announced £20 million of funding for the Civil Aviation Authority to make flying taxis a reality. Further flights of the VX4 are expected later this year with the craft's transition from hovering to cruising using its wings set to be tested. A group of several companies in the UK are currently working on developing flying taxis. 4 4 It is hoped that the zero emissions aircraft will be used to ferry passengers in or between urban areas. The aircraft are designed to be quiet, zero emission modes of transport. A trip from Liverpool to Leeds in a flying taxi could take as little as 26 minutes. Flying car promises to transform into plane in two minutes Flying taxis are able to undertake a whole trip without stopping for traffic and travel much faster than conventional ground based transport. Pilot Simon Davies said: 'Taking the aircraft beyond the airfield and cruising over the Cotswolds for the first time was truly special and a career highlight for me. 'Our performance predictions were absolutely spot on, and the aircraft took off as a natural extension of all the ground tests and preparation we've done.' Earlier this year, Vertical Aerospace received a £70m bailout from Mudrick Capital, a US investment fund. Founder Stephen Fitzpatrick ceded control of the business as part of the rescue plan.
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
World's first ‘heli-plane' that takes off vertically & transforms into jet to whisk passengers away at 280mph
THE world's first 'heli-plane' is a glossy mini-jet, capable of ferrying six passengers at 280mph for stylish short-haul travel. And it just hit a major milestone. 6 6 The Cavorite X7, from Horizon Aircraft, made aviation history earlier this month when it became the first electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) to achieve a stable wing-borne flight transition using a fan-in-wing design. It flies just like a conventional aircraft, but it takes off and lands vertically like a helicopter. The mini-jet has 14 fans embedded within its wings that allow it to hover off the ground. Before a gas-powered turbine engine pushes the aircraft forward like a normal plane. Brian Robinson, chief engineer and co-founder of Horizon, said: "This incredible achievement validates our unique and robust approach to the transition phase of flight. "In our aircraft, the transition phase was designed from the beginning to be a non-event, as there are no complicated multi-copter rotating nacelles or heavy tilt-wing mechanisms, and we have multiple layers of redundancy. "The result is an extremely safe and stable transition, a vital part of eVTOL operations, and an area in which many of our competitors have faced serious challenges." 6 Many startups around the world are working on eVTOL jets and heli-planes for short-haul flights. They are expected to work particularly well in urban areas, and some are being sold as 'air taxis' so people can Uber around the skies. Horizon appears to be yet another company trying to muscle in on the air taxi market. The Canadian aerospace engineering firm believes there are several applications for these jets to be used across civilian life. Though they could also be used in defence, the company says, such as quick rescue missions in hard-to-reach areas. The benefits of the vertical lift means the Cavorite X7 doesn't need a runway to get to you - only a flat surface and an open sky. Almost any H1-H3 rated helipad, aircraft carrier, hospital roof - or even ski resort - could act as a takeoff area for the Cavorite X7. Just as long as the final approach and takeoff area is 1.5 times the overall length of the jet itself, and the touchdown and lift-off area weight isn't exceeded. With a maximum gross weight of 5,500lbs (2,500kg), it can carry a fair bit of luggage - or up to 1,500lbs (680kg) of cargo for vertical takeoffs. It can carry slightly more for conventional runway launches, with a max weight of 1,800lbs (815kg). Horizon says the hammerhead-style jet will be capable of a 288mph cruising speed with an impressive 500mile (800km) range with reserves - which is much further than some competitors. 6 6 6
Fox News
20-05-2025
- Fox News
Chinese wearable eVTOL jetpack makes historic first flight
Have you ever imagined what personal flying could look like in the near future? China's Zhiyuan Research Institute, based in Hangzhou, is bringing that vision closer to reality. They just unveiled what they're calling the world's first tri-ducted wearable electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for individual use, and their recent demo flight is already sparking curiosity about the future of personal flight. The coolest thing about this eVTOL is its tri-ducted propulsion system. That means it has three powerful propellers, one on the left, one on the right and one in the back, all working together to keep the aircraft stable and efficient. This setup isn't just for show. It actually helps the vehicle fly smoother, cut down on noise and hover more reliably. It's the first time a manned aircraft has used this kind of design, which is pretty groundbreaking. Safety is a huge focus for the Zhiyuan team. They built in a one-click separation system that lets the pilot quickly detach from the aircraft and deploy a low-altitude parachute if something goes wrong. That way, the pilot can land safely even in an emergency, which is a big comfort for anyone flying solo. Flying this thing isn't just for experts. Zhiyuan developed a ground control system that helps keep things simple. The eVTOL can hover steadily and fly on its own without the pilot having to constantly control it, and it can make quick, agile moves when needed. The controls are designed to be easy to use, so even people without much flying experience can handle them. On the power side, the team created a new propulsion system with a high thrust-to-weight ratio. They used advanced ducted motor designs to make the whole thing more efficient. Plus, the flight control system can handle turbulent weather, so the ride stays smooth even when the air gets rough. This wearable eVTOL isn't just a cool gadget. Zhiyuan sees it as being useful in all kinds of real-world situations. It could help with emergency rescues, maintaining electrical infrastructure or cleaning skyscrapers. It also has the potential for sightseeing and leisure flights, and it could be used for border patrol or customs inspections. With its versatility and easy controls, this aircraft could be a game changer for both professionals and adventure seekers. However, there is currently no official information on the commercial availability or price of Zhiyuan's tri-ducted wearable eVTOL. The aircraft has completed its first public demonstration, but details about when it will be available for purchase and at what cost remain undisclosed. This new eVTOL is part of a much bigger trend in China. The country is working hard to grow what it calls its "low-altitude economy," which includes drones, eVTOLs and other aircraft that fly below about 3,280 feet. The government has made low-altitude aviation a priority and is promising support for commercial spaceflight and next-generation air mobility technologies. Experts estimate that this industry could be worth more than $137 billion by 2030 as these aircraft find more uses in areas like logistics, tourism and public services. It's pretty crazy to watch personal flying tech take off like this. Zhiyuan's tri-ducted wearable eVTOL is already up in the air, giving us a peek at what getting around might look like down the road. As these things become easier to use and more common, flying could end up being just another way we get from place to place, whether for work, emergencies or just for fun. Would you be excited or nervous to try out this kind of personal aircraft? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Follow Kurt on his social channels: Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Gulf Business
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Gulf Business
Flying cars in the UAE? Trial date for electric air taxi revealed
Image credit: WAM/Website Trial flights of Archer Aviation's first fully electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, Midnight, are set to begin before the end of 2025, Dr Talib Alhinai, General Manager of Archer Aviation, said. Read- Speaking on the sidelines of the 'Make it in the Emirates' forum, Alhinai said the aircraft marks a major step toward the country's urban air mobility goals, with operations expected to begin in Abu Dhabi ahead of a full commercial rollout. Aircraft 'Midnight': How does this air taxi function? Designed for sustainable urban transport, Midnight can carry four passengers and a pilot, operates entirely on electric power, and takes off and lands vertically like a helicopter. However, its design and operational profile are optimised for efficient short-distance flights. Alhinai said initial test flights will take place in unpopulated areas, gradually expanding into urban zones as part of a phased deployment approach. A formal date for the start of commercial service has not been set. The exact date for commercial operations will be announced in due course, pending the completion of all necessary technical and operational requirements. Regarding its technical features, Alhinai explained that Midnight is equipped with a fixed wing and 12 electric motors—six at the front and six at the rear. The front motors can rotate between 0 and 90 degrees, allowing for a seamless transition from vertical ascent to horizontal flight in just 45 seconds. Potential manufacturing in the UAE On local production, Alhinai said the company has signed a framework agreement with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office to establish a research center and explore manufacturing opportunities in the UAE. Further details will be announced soon.
