AIR’s eVTOL Completes First Full Transition to Cruise Flight
AIR has announced that its AIR One inaugural vehicle has successfully completed its first full forward flight, perfectly transitioning from hover to its nominal cruising speed while loaded at full 1100kg capacity.
This kicks off thousands of flight hours planned for the AIR One as part of its FAA certification process, which will see range, speed and endurance increase as it continues to optimise the aircraft.
While much of the emerging advanced air mobility (AAM) market focuses on commercial applications such as air taxis, AIR claims it is spearheading personal air mobility, by offering an everyday alternative for short distance commuting.
Capable of taking off and landing on any flat surface with a 250 kg payload, the all-electric two-seater 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.
CEO and co-founder of AIR Rani Plaut commented “AIR is proud to play a role in the global AAM movement, and we’re looking forward to 2024 when adoption of privately-owned eVTOLs takes flight.”
Following this latest milestOne, AIR 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.
Leading up to the full transition flight testing, AIR completed multiple successful and extensive propulsion tests and performed a series of necessary electronic and stability tests prior to AIR One’s first forward flight, which served as an important proof of concept.
In addition, AIR has invested in strategic partnerships with aviation companies around the world and unveiled the full-scale AIR One prototype at this year’s Kentucky Derby, EAA AirVenture, and the Detroit Auto Show, all since coming out of stealth nearly a year and a half ago.
In July, AIR announced that its inaugural Air One eVTOL successfully completed its first hover test after receiving its airworthiness certificate on June 21st at Megiddo in northern Israel.