The VoloRegion is an electrically powered aircraft that can take off and land vertically (eVTOL). It is being developed by the German company Volocopter.[1]
| VoloRegion | |
|---|---|
| |
| model 2021 | |
| Role | eVTOL |
| National origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer | Volocopter GmbH |
| Introduction | Planned for 2026 |
| Status | Under development |
History
editThe concept of the VoloConnect was presented first on May 17, 2021 at the EBACE Connect conference.[2] The prototype was developed within two years in Munich under the direction of chief engineer Sebastian Mores. So far, only scaled-down prototypes have been tested in flight. The certification SC VTOL enhanced (10−9)[3] shall be reached within the next 5 years. The VoloRegion will be linked to the Volocopter software platform VoloIQ.[4][5] In cooperation with Fraport, take-off and landing areas are planned which are necessary for the implementation of the urban air mobility concept.[6] In October 2022 the VoloConnect was renamed and is now called the VoloRegion.[7]
Design
editThe VoloRegion has a multi-rotor system. It uses a hybrid lift and push design with a purely electric drive. It's equipped with 8 individual motors, 6 of which are connected to free propellers generate the lift and two to ducted propellers providing the forward thrust. There is a main high-wing wing with two outriggers for the 6 VTOL propellers. The stern is V-shaped.[8] The lift of the VoloRegion is not only generated by propellers, as is usual with Volocopter, but also with its wings. This is energetically better.
Specifications
editData from VoloRegion / Electric VTOL News by the Vertical Flight Society[8]
General characteristics
- Crew: None (autopilot)
- Capacity: 2 - 3 passengers, 300–400 kg (660–880 lb)[9] payload
- Powerplant: 6 × Vertical Electric
- Powerplant: 2 × Horizontal Electric
Performance
- Maximum speed: 160 mph (250 km/h, 130 kn)
- Cruise speed: 110 mph (180 km/h, 97 kn)
- Range: 62 mi (100 km, 54 nmi)
Usage
editThe VoloRegion is designed for short range personal transport, it's connecting the suburbs to cities.[10]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Volocopter unveils VoloConnect, its longer-range eVTOL air taxi". evtol.news. 17 May 2021. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
- ^ "EBACE Connect 2021 : May 17 – May 20". evtol.news. 21 May 2021. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
- ^ "Special Condition for VTOL and Means of Compliance". easa.europa.eu. 23 June 2021. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
- ^ "Volocopter and Lufthansa Industry Solutions cooperate to build VoloIQ on Microsoft Azure". evtol.news. 28 October 2020. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
- ^ "Volocopter and Lufthansa Industry Solutions cooperate to build VoloIQ". revolution.aero. 28 October 2020. Retrieved 24 August 2021.
- ^ "Fraport and Volocopter to develop airport infrastructure and passenger processes for air taxi services". futuretravelexperience.com. February 2019. Retrieved 5 September 2021.
- ^ "What's in a Name? VoloConnect Transforms to VoloRegion". evtolinsights.com. 19 October 2022. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
- ^ a b "Volocopter VoloConnect". evtol.news. 19 December 2019. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
- ^ Andrew J. Hawkins (17 May 2021). "Volocopter unveils VoloConnect, its longer-range eVTOL air taxi". evtol.com/news. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
- ^ de Jager, Wiebe (17 May 2021). "Volocopter unveils new urban air mobility aircraft design for connecting suburbs to cities". dronewatch.eu. Retrieved 24 August 2021.