The Axe two-seater electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) has hit a major milestone on its journey to certification.
UK-based Skyfly was granted approval to begin testing the Axe by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in October.
Now, the two-seater has passed a major milestone after successfully completing its first phase of manned test flights.
It is the first of three crucial milestones in the testing process.
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The eVTOL has hit a major milestone
There are currently numerous companies working in the eVTOL space, including the Switzerland-based Dufour Aerospace, which has the Aero2 X2.3; and Chinese EV company XPeng with its AeroHT X2 ‘flying car’.
Skyfly, based in Oxfordshire in the UK, says its Axe model stands out from the rest thanks to its design.
The Axe features a main wing and a canard wing, meaning it is able to operate like a conventional fixed-wing aircraft, while still being able to land and take off vertically.
The Axe can carry up to people and promises a range of between 160km (100 miles) and 482km (300 miles).
The eVTOL has crept closer to production following completion of a succesful round of testing.
Test campaigns for eVTOL are made up of three phases: hovering, forward flight, and transition.
The two-seater passes the first phase
Last week, the Axe passed the first phase, paving the way for further test flights with conventional take-off and landings due to commence in January.
“We are thrilled with how the hover testing has progressed — it’s truly an exhilarating experience to feel this aircraft lift off with the quiet hum of electric motors instead of the roar of a piston engine,” Skyfly CEO Michael Thompson said in a statement.
“The calm and smooth sound, combined with minimal vibration, makes for an incredibly reassuring flight. We were particularly pleased with the forward visibility under the wing, which has been a concern for many.
“By installing a wide angle forward-facing camera, we also vastly improved situational awareness. This is unlike anything I’ve ever flown. I can’t wait to see this aircraft advance to forward flight soon, ticking off another major milestone.”
Although yet to complete its testing campaign, the Axe is available for pre-order, with pricing starting at $312,000 (£250,000).
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