eVTOL News

The Air Current

High activity

Electra tests helicopter-style instrument procedures with EL2 electric aircraft

Electra says its fixed-wing EL2 prototype demonstrated instrument procedures typically associated with helicopters, flying specially developed routes and approaches across multiple Virginia airports. The tests point to an effort to apply helicopter-like access and operating procedures to a fixed-wing electric aircraft, though the article provides no details on route performance or certification implications.

Aerospace Testing Intnl

High activity

Archer completes piloted Midnight eVTOL flights over San Francisco Bay, with Los Angeles next

Archer Aviation has completed the Northern California phase of its “No Roads” demonstration tour with piloted flights of its Midnight electric air taxi around San Francisco Bay. The prototype is moving to Los Angeles for the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program, ahead of planned demonstrations and operations at the 2028 Olympic Games.

AINonline

FAA’s eVTOL pilot program uses U.S. general aviation airports as proving grounds

The FAA’s eVTOL pilot program is taking shape across the United States, with business aviation and general aviation airports serving as test sites for advanced air mobility. The effort puts airport infrastructure and operations at the center of early efforts to demonstrate how eVTOL aircraft could fit into the aviation system.

AINonline

DTA Aircraft brings JP1 personal eVTOL to NBAA-BACE

French gyroplane maker DTA Aircraft is pitching its JP1 multicopter as a personal electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing aircraft at NBAA-BACE. The showing puts the company’s concept before business aviation stakeholders, though the available report provides no details on performance, certification status or commercialization plans.

eVTOL Insights

Samson Sky taps EPTA Design to develop Switchblade flying-car interior

Samson Sky has appointed Italian automotive designer Luigi Memola and his firm, EPTA Design, to develop the interior of its Switchblade roadable aircraft. The appointment comes as the US company continues preparations for production.

Urban Air Mobility News

Vertical Aerospace signs Valo supplier deals with ANH Structure and Northrop Grumman LITEF

Vertical Aerospace has agreed long-term supply arrangements with ANH Structure for seating and Northrop Grumman LITEF for inertial navigation and sensor systems on its Valo eVTOL. The agreements expand the UK developer’s supplier network as it works toward certification and production.

ch-aviation

Sichuan Airlines Group unit orders 20 Volant eVTOLs, with options for 30 more

A low-altitude investment subsidiary of Sichuan Airlines Group has signed a purchase agreement with China’s Volant for 20 VE25-100 electric vertical take-off and landing passenger aircraft, with options for an additional 30. The agreement adds a sizable prospective order to China’s emerging eVTOL market.

AINonline

Skyportz begins Australian fabrication of full-scale Aeroberm vertiport prototype for eVTOL testing next year

Skyportz says fabrication is underway in Australia on its proprietary Aeroberm vertiport design, with a full-scale system test planned for next year. The effort advances the company’s infrastructure concept for eVTOL operations; the supplied report does not specify the test location, partners or scale of any planned deployment.