All posts tagged: eVTOL

PFAS destruction and eVTOL projects win first ERS grants from University of Toledo 

PFAS destruction and eVTOL projects win first ERS grants from University of Toledo 

Published by skeptic

Projects selected for funding by the newly established Engineering Research Society (ERS) include research into PFAS destruction and using AI to advance aerodynamic modeling for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The University of Toledo College of Engineering has announced the first grant awards from its Engineering Research Society (ERS), marking a key step in enhancing the college’s research profile as part of UToledo’s designation as a Carnegie R1 research institution. ERS, a membership-based organisation co-led by alumni Don Warner (Class of ’76) and Deb Dauer (Class of ’81), was founded to support and advance research within the College of Engineering. Since its inaugural meeting, which brought together founding members, faculty, alumni, and supporters, the society has collectively raised $800,000 toward its initial $1 million endowment goal. “These projects exemplify the quality, relevance and interdisciplinary strength of our faculty research, and they reflect the very purpose of ERS: providing timely seed support to catalyze major external funding and broader impact,” said Mohammad Elahinia, dean of the College of Engineering and an ERS member. “I …

Archer Aviation to implement Starlink internet in its eVTOL air taxis

Archer Aviation to implement Starlink internet in its eVTOL air taxis

Published by skeptic

In what is being described as an “industry-first collaboration” by Archer Aviation, the eVTOL developer will integrate Starlink high-speed satellite internet into its Midnight air taxis. We also enjoy seeing interesting eVTOL news, but admittedly, our most recent coverage of Archer Aviation ($ACHR) has focused more on its expansions on the ground than on its progress developing its flagship 4-passenger eVTOL, Midnight. Don’t get me wrong, Archer’s recent plans to establish hubs on both US coasts in support of its pending eVTOL air taxi network are exciting, especially in planned aerial-friendly areas like Miami. While today’s news isn’t a milestone in flight time or aerial maneuvers, it’s still noteworthy (mainly because it involves a company by the name of Starlink). That’s right, early this morning, Archer Aviation shared plans to work with Starlink to bring high-speed internet connectivity to its eVTOLs and more. Archer Aviation signs internet agreement with Starlink According to Archer Aviation, there is an agreement now in place to allow it to install Starlink’s low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite internet system into its Midnight …

Xpeng is getting serious about selling you an aircraft carrier

Xpeng is getting serious about selling you an aircraft carrier

Published by skeptic

Xpeng’s flying car unit Aridge is ramping up its marketing efforts for the new Land Aircraft Carrier designed carry its AeroHT eVTOL “flying car” as it inches closer to production reality. “Born from the cosmos, destined for the city, crafted for the sky,” reads the official copy from Xpeng flying car unit, Aridge (formerly AeroHT). Those words are allegedly the inspiration for the Land Aircraft Carrier’s three new colorways, introduced this week as the Chinese EV brand ramps up marketing efforts and targets a mass production launch for its eVTOL carrier later this year. Dynamic duo The flying car goes in the trunk, via Xpeng. The Xpeng flying car system is a two-part act that consists of a fully electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) flying car and the Land Aircraft Carrier that acts dedicated “mothership” that acts as its transport, garage, and recharge station.  The ground-based part of the flying car system is scheduled for production later this year at a facility Xpeng is calling “the world’s first modern assembly line for flying cars,” …

Eve Air Mobility gets real with first flight, 0 million financing

Eve Air Mobility gets real with first flight, $150 million financing

Published by skeptic

Just days after eVTOL startup Eve Air Mobility published video of its prototype’s maiden hover flight, the company announced $150 million in new financing to continue developing its vision of the future of flight. The race to launch a viable eVTOL air taxi service is turning out to be as much a financial marathon as a technical one, with companies forced to find new ways to stay on their financial runways – even if their products don’t need them (Ha!). Keeping the metaphor going, Embraer’s Eve Air Mobility just got a major endurance boost in the form of $150 million in debt financing. The five-year loan was arranged by a syndicate including Itaú and Banco do Brasil alongside Citibank and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, and is intended to support R&D, as well as, “ecosystem integration with infrastructure partners.” “This successful debt raise represents a significant milestone for Eve and a strong endorsement of our leadership in shaping the future of urban air mobility,” said Eduardo Couto, Eve Air Mobility’s CFO. “The confidence of large banks reinforces …

AltoVolo redefines personal air travel with 220 mph hybrid eVTOL aircraft

AltoVolo redefines personal air travel with 220 mph hybrid eVTOL aircraft

Published by Jenni Sidey

A new personal aircraft is emerging from the crowded advanced air mobility space, and it is not aimed at city air taxis. Developed by AltoVolo, the Sigma is designed as a privately owned hybrid electric aircraft that blends vertical takeoff with jet-style cruise performance. The company says the aircraft could change how personal flight fits into daily life. AltoVolo is led by founder and CEO Will Wood, who has positioned the company toward private ownership rather than shared urban transport. While many competitors focus on short, scheduled hops between dense city centers, AltoVolo is building for long-distance, point-to-point travel. That distinction shapes nearly every aspect of the Sigma’s design. The company has now taken a key step toward commercialization. Potential buyers can apply for a build slot with an initial commitment of £860. AltoVolo has also launched what it describes as the world’s first online eVTOL configurator, allowing customers to customize their aircraft down to seat belt and stitch line colors. The Sigma is designed as a privately owned hybrid electric aircraft that blends vertical …