The full-scale prototype of ASKA™ A5, roadworthy electric-hybrid vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, has progressed through a series of successful tethered unmanned flight tests, according to a Linkedin post from company Co-founder, chair/COO Maki Kaplinsky.
“The tethered unmanned flights took place at a private airfield located in California,” she writes. “Since the renewal of our special airworthiness certificate this past July, A5 performed the unmanned tethered flights at a low altitude while loosely tethered to the ground. During the flights, our engineers measured flight and system parameters to verify thrust, flight control, electric and thermal system performance, to include vibration and temperature parameters. The ongoing flight testing has also enabled us to perform extensive fine tuning of the flight control systems to improve maneuverability and stability while minimizing the influence of ground effects. To date, we have conducted over 350 successful tethered flight tests.
“The ASKA A5 prototype received its initial special airworthiness certification in July 2023. Under its current special airworthiness certificate and its certificate of waiver or authorization (COA), the A5 will fly untethered up to 200 ft above ground level (AGL), as well as being capable to perform vertical takeoffs and landings, and hovering. The completion of these flights will be Stage 1. Conventional flight, and transitioning from vertical to horizontal flight, will follow after the completion of Stage 1 of flight testing.
“We also have successfully completed more than 500 miles of road testing, noting that the A5 is the size of an SUV while in Drive Mode, as well as completing “Drive to Flight” transition testing while on the ground.”
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