AIR, creator of an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for the consumer market, has announced that its inaugural vehicle, AIR ONE, has successfully completed its first full forward flight, transitioning from hover to cruise.
The full-scale AIR ONE prototype the company says was loaded to full capacity of 1100kg (2425lbs), took off and transitioned to its nominal cruising speed during the flight. “This accomplishment” the company continues “will be a part of its FAA certification process, which will see range, speed, and endurance increase as AIR continues to optimize the aircraft to achieve its design flight profile.”
The press release reports “While much of the emerging advanced air mobility (AAM) market focuses on commercial applications such as air taxis, AIR is spearheading a new category in the industry: personal air mobility. AIR’s eVTOL for personal use is capable of taking off and landing on any flat surface with a 250kg payload, the all-electric two-seater aircraft offers a practical long range on a single charge at speeds up to 155 mph (250 km/h). AIR ONE can be stored in most garages and driveways and is suitable for trailer hauls.”
AIR reports further than it now plans to transfer the bulk of its operations and R&D to the United States, where further flight testing, development, and ongoing certification collaboration with the FAA will continue.
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(Image: AIR)