The VoloCity is an electrically powered aircraft that can fly autonomously and take off and land vertically. It is produced by the German manufacturer Volocopter and is its first series model.[1][2]
| VoloCity | |
|---|---|
| |
| model 2021 | |
| Role | eVTOL |
| National origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer | Volocopter GmbH |
| Introduction | Planned for 2024 |
| Status | Under development |
History
editThe VoloCity, Volocopter is the fourth generation and first series model of its flying machine after the Volocopter VC200 / 2X. It is equipped with two vertical stabilisers to keep the flight direction more stable.[3][4] The device is aligned with the SC-VTOL regulations published by EASA in July 2019. In June 2021, the model 2X performed a three-minute flight at Le Bourget. From September 2021, the VoloCity will be tested in Pontoise near Paris for possible use during the 2024 Olympic Games. An uncrewed one-minute remote-controlled maiden flight of the VoloCity production version in December 2021 was followed by the first crewed flight on 13 April 2022.[5]
Design
editThe VoloCity is equipped with 18 individual motors. The goal of the development in January 2013 was a certifiable two-seat Volocopter, based on the VC Evolution 2P concept study. The VC200 and 2X models are equipped with a total rescue system, which is a first for helicopters. In normal helicopters and gyrocopters (autogyros), the way up is blocked by the main rotor and the use of a total rescue system is not possible. Previously, only Kamow helicopters could be rescued by jettisoning the two main rotors and then using an ejection seat. For maximum safety, all flight-critical systems are designed with multiple redundancy.[1]
Specifications
editData from VoloRegion / Electric VTOL News by the Vertical Flight Society
General characteristics
- Crew: 1 pilot / None (autopilot)
- Capacity: 1 passenger, 150–200 kg (330–440 lb) payload
- Length: 31 ft 2 in (9.5 m)
- Wingspan: 37 ft 1 in (11.3 m)
- Height: 8 ft 2 in (2.5 m)
- Empty weight: 1,543 lb (700 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 1,984 lb (900 kg)
- Powerplant: 18 × Vertical Electric
Performance
- Maximum speed: 68 mph (110 km/h, 59 kn)
- Cruise speed: 62 mph (100 km/h, 54 kn)
- Range: 22 mi (35 km, 19 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 6,500 ft (1,980 m)
The first planned use is the introduction of an air taxi service in Singapore within the next three years.[6] As the eVTOL air vehicle does not emit exhaust gases and the noise emissions are low, Volocopter wants to offer services especially in urban areas. It's to reduce congestion and complement urban mobility.
In an initial phase, the VoloCity will have a pilot on board. But, it is designed to fly fully autonomously. It's possible once the regulatory requirements for autonomous flight have been issued by the aviation authorities.[7] In addition to passenger flight, Volocopter also sees the use for the VoloCity in air rescue.[8][9] An initial study with ADAC Luftrettung, the operator of the largest fleet of rescue helicopters in Germany, concluded that the use of multicopters such as the VoloCity would be beneficial and could improve emergency care.[10]
See also
editExternal links
editReferences
edit- ^ a b "Volocopter VoloCity". evtol.news. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
- ^ Fisher, Christine (21 August 2019). "Volocopter reveals its first commercial autonomous flying taxi". Engadget. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
- ^ Karl Schwarz (21 August 2019). "Volocopter enthüllt Flugtaxi VoloCity". Flugrevue.de. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
- ^ Karl Schwarz (21 August 2019). "Volocopter enthüllt Design für neuestes Urban Air Mobility Fluggerät". startupvalley.news. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
- ^ "Volocopter Completes First Full-Scale Flight of VoloCity eVTOL". transportup.com. 17 April 2022. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
- ^ "Zusage: Volocopter führt E-Flugtaxi-Dienst in Singapur ein". electrive.net. 10 December 2021. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
- ^ Palmer, Maija (14 November 2019). "Autonomous flying taxis will arrive by 2031, says Volocopter". sifted.eu. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
- ^ Bullock, Clara (15 December 2020). "ADAC Luftrettung reserves multicopters for air rescue". airmedandrescue.com. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
- ^ Garrett-Glaser, Brian (16 October 2020). "ADAC Luftrettung, Volocopter find applications for eVTOLs in emergency medical response". verticalmag.com. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
- ^ "Multicopter in the rescue service. Feasibility study on the application potential of multicopters as emergency doctor shuttles" (PDF). ADAC Luftrettung gGmbH. 14 October 2020. Retrieved 16 September 2023.