The Epiphany Transporter, from Applied EVTOL Concepts, has recently achieved preliminary design review for certifying the aircraft under the FAA’s LSA (Light Sport Aircraft) category, according to the company.
“The vehicle can legally operate essentially anywhere outside of controlled airspace, below 700 feet AGL (Above Ground Level), and away from airports,” says a description of the vehicle. “Its neighbor-friendly, very low sound is incomparable to any other eVTOL, VTOL, or conventional aircraft when taking off or landing, and is virtually silent and undetectable to people on the ground when flying overhead at low cruising altitudes. The vehicle is easily ground maneuverable and garage-able by one person and can be fully-recharged in about 30 minutes.”
“Key to its impressive utility and vast potential commercial appeal is its predicted 300+ mile normal range; exciting 160-mph top cruise speed; and exceptionally quiet, neighbor-friendly, sound. The craft can accommodate two people, their luggage, plus golf clubs! With its auto-stabilized and distributed propulsion, it is Intended to be simple and safe to operate, about the size of a Tesla Model ‘S’ automobile, and it will fit into a standard one-car garage with its thrusters folded up. “
“Originally developed under a USD5.1 million DARPA grant, the NASA-proven, patent-pending, ducted thrusters have undergone over a quarter-century of refinement through full-scale flight testing in wind tunnels and several prototype manned vehicles. According to Michael Moshier, Inventor and Chief Design Engineer, “We have every reason to believe in the ability of our proprietary, field-proven, ducted thrusters and leading-edge vehicle design, to perform in flight as expected”.
Rob Bulaga, the project’s Chief Engineer and Senior Aerodynamicist, the Moshier-Bulaga team previously worked together on their ducted fan powered www.SoloTrek XFV.com aircraft, a one-person, strap-on, gas-fueled, personal flying machine. In 2001, the device won Time Magazine’s ‘Invention-Of-The-Year’ award, along with many other world-wide accolades, and today it remains on permanent display at the Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos, California.
“The team is seeking a joint-venture with a strategic, aerospace-industry partner, to lead the completion of the development work; expedite the full-scale manned prototype-build, testing and certification; and thereafter introduce the Epiphany Transporter to a long-waiting, and eager worldwide marketplace.”
For more information
appliedevtolconcepts.com