eVTOL News

The Air Current • Julie Johnsson

NTSB says bird strike evidence preceded fatal Hudson River sightseeing helicopter crash (April 2025)

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board said it found evidence of a bird strike before a tourist helicopter plummeted into New York City’s Hudson River in April 2025, killing all six onboard. Documents released by the NTSB indicate remains from at least two birds were found on the rotor blades, and investigators are examining whether the strike contributed to the crash involving a Bell 206L4.

9 Sources

2026-07-16T11:56:21.102901-07:00

eVTOL Insights

Electra signs Safran “life-of-program” production deal for TG600 turbogenerators to support EL9 hybrid-electric certification, w

16 Sources

2026-07-15T05:14:11.386714-07:00

AeroTime

Northrop Grumman, Airbus tie MQ-4C Triton expansion to NATO ISR operations as Farnborough spotlights production capacity

11 Sources

2026-07-15T00:58:54.619213-07:00

FlightGlobal

Vertical Aerospace slides Valo eVTOL type certification to 2029 (from late 2028/2025 plans)

6 Sources

2026-07-13T04:15:05.817352-07:00

Hype Analysis

September 2024 eVTOL Industry Developments: A Comprehensive Report

October 1, 2024 - A summary of major events, strategic partnerships and technological advancements in the eVTOL market. Read More.

Advanced Air Mobility (eVTOL / Urban Air Mobility) News Timeline

The Air Current

9 sources

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NTSB says bird strike evidence preceded fatal Hudson River sightseeing helicopter crash (April 2025) The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board said it found evidence of a bird strike before a tourist helicopter plummeted into New York City’s Hudson River in April 2025, killing all six onboard. Documents released by the NTSB indicate remains from at least two birds were found on the rotor blades, and investigators are examining whether the strike contributed to the crash involving a Bell 206L4.

2026-07-16T11:56:21.102901-07:00

NTSB says bird strike evidence preceded fatal Hudson River sightseeing helicopter crash (April 2025)

eVTOL Insights

16 sources

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Electra signs Safran “life-of-program” production deal for TG600 turbogenerators to support EL9 hybrid-electric certification, w Electra has selected Safran Helicopter Engines’ TG600 turbogenerator for its EL9 ultra-short hybrid-electric aircraft, extending an earlier prototype selection into a “life-of-program” production agreement. The pact includes an initial order for 250 units to back Electra’s planned certification campaign toward 2030.

2026-07-15T05:14:11.386714-07:00

Electra signs Safran “life-of-program” production deal for TG600 turbogenerators to support EL9 hybrid-electric certification, w

Urban Air Mobility News

25 sources

Skyports Infrastructure, UI Helicopter and BETA Technologies form partnership to scale electric air-taxi operations in South Kor Skyports Infrastructure, UI Helicopter Co. and BETA Technologies have agreed to a strategic partnership to establish electric air-taxi services in South Korea. The collaboration is positioned to support the South Korean government’s target of launching commercial advanced air mobility services by 2029.

2026-07-15T03:45:26.953110-07:00

Skyports Infrastructure, UI Helicopter and BETA Technologies form partnership to scale electric air-taxi operations in South Kor

AeroTime

11 sources

Northrop Grumman, Airbus tie MQ-4C Triton expansion to NATO ISR operations as Farnborough spotlights production capacity Northrop Grumman signed MOUs tied to NATO’s LOI for procurement of the MQ-4C Triton, including a partnership with Airbus Defence and Space to bring the uncrewed aircraft system into NATO operations for ISR force expansion. Separately, Farnborough (July 20-22, 2026) will feature Embraer’s technology showcase and an industry theme focused on execution and production capacity over order momentum.

2026-07-15T00:58:54.619213-07:00

Northrop Grumman, Airbus tie MQ-4C Triton expansion to NATO ISR operations as Farnborough spotlights production capacity

Urban Air Mobility News

4 sources

SkyDrive SD-05 reaches 86 km/h in Yamaguchi eVTOL tourism demo ahead of 2028 commercial launch SkyDrive completed a demonstration flight of its three-seat SD-05 eVTOL at the Yamaguchi Kirara Expo Memorial Park, repeating a scenic touring use case over the Seto Inland Sea. The company said the aircraft flew at up to 86 km/h and is positioning the service for both domestic and international markets with a 2028 launch target.

2026-07-14T02:29:50.919260-07:00

SkyDrive SD-05 reaches 86 km/h in Yamaguchi eVTOL tourism demo ahead of 2028 commercial launch

eVTOL Insights

1 source

Venetz Aerospace wins UK CAA Part 21J DOA for electric motors and propellers for both UAS and crewed aircraft Venetz Aerospace, a UK electric propulsion designer for unmanned aircraft systems, says it has received Part 21J Design Organisation Approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) covering electric motors and propellers. The approval extends to applications across both uncrewed and crewed aircraft use cases.

2026-07-13T12:44:29.063017-07:00

Venetz Aerospace wins UK CAA Part 21J DOA for electric motors and propellers for both UAS and crewed aircraft

FlightGlobal

6 sources

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Vertical Aerospace slides Valo eVTOL type certification to 2029 (from late 2028/2025 plans) Vertical Aerospace says its Valo air taxi now targets type certification in 2029, extending a timeline that had already slipped from earlier expectations. The company framed the change as part of a programme re-baselining and warned of increasing risk to its prior 2028 target ahead of its Farnborough International Airshow appearance.

2026-07-13T04:15:05.817352-07:00

Vertical Aerospace slides Valo eVTOL type certification to 2029 (from late 2028/2025 plans)

eVTOL Insights

9 sources

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Beta, Sora, Horizon and JetZero signal momentum for electric flight—FAA pilot missions, eVTOL testing and Cavorite X7 avionics BETA Technologies has completed first missions in an FAA program examining safe operations of electric aircraft alongside conventional aviation, and Horizon Aircraft selected BETA to supply flight-control computers and customized software for the Cavorite X7 full-scale hybrid-electric eVTOL. Separately, Sora Aviation finished subscale S-1 eVTOL testing, while JetZero begins assembling its blended-wing-body demonstrator and UK start-up Sora targets service entry by 2031.

2026-07-13T00:44:26.595674-07:00

Beta, Sora, Horizon and JetZero signal momentum for electric flight—FAA pilot missions, eVTOL testing and Cavorite X7 avionics

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Hype's eVTOL section is the definitive source for aggregated news on the burgeoning electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft industry. Our coverage spans the latest prototypes, regulatory milestones, and market trends driving the future of urban air mobility and sustainable aviation solutions.