ARC Aerosystems has announced today the return of the “iconic Avian Pegasus gyroplane, a revolutionary aircraft” that was developed in Canada during the 1960s. The company says the Pegasus was, and remains, the only FAA Part 27 certified gyroplane in the world, featuring a unique jump take-off and zero-roll landing capability that makes it ideal for advanced air mobility markets.
According the press release “The decision to restore the remaining development aircraft to an airworthy state serves two strategic aims for ARC Aerosystems:
“First, to serve as a technology demonstrator for ARC’s 9-seat Linx P9 compound gyroplane, which is currently under development. The Linx P9 will incorporate the jump take-off technology of the Pegasus, as well as a hybrid propulsion system and advanced flight controls, to offer a fast, efficient, and versatile solution for regional air transport.
“Second, to explore the potential of the Pegasus as a retro solution to the modern problem of air-taxis and urban air mobility. The Pegasus offers several advantages over the emerging electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, such as lower noise, lower power consumption, higher safety, and lower maintenance costs. The Pegasus is also already certified and proven, unlike many eVTOL concepts that are still in the experimental stage.
“ARC will soon begin test flights of the Pegasus in early 2024 at its facility in Cranfield. To lead these flights, we are delighted to introduce Chris Taylor as the designated test pilot. Chris Taylor is one of the most qualified and widely experienced test pilots in the world today, with an impressive portfolio of over 400 different aircraft types. He is a licensed Category 1 test pilot and flight test instructor for both airplanes and helicopters and has worked for several leading aerospace companies and organisations.”
ARC Aerosystems are exhibiting at the Dubai Airshow, V62 in the Vista Hub.
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(Image: ARC Aerosystems)