PLANA wins iF design award 2023
South Korean hybrid AAM aircraft developer PLANA today announced that it has won the Professional Concept category of the highly esteemed iF Design Awards, which are held annually in Germany and are considered one of the top three design awards globally, alongside the Red Dot Design Award and IDEA.
Over 11,000 products were submitted from around the world and PLANA’s AAM aircraft design was recognised for its exceptional design, which focusses on passenger comfort, safety, and convenience.
The aircraft’s six tilt-rotor layout ensures stability, while its aerodynamic exterior design complements the aircraft’s high-performance capabilities. Its passenger-centric, utility-focussed cabin can accommodate up to six passengers and features wide symmetrical doors for easy boarding, three-point belts, bucket seats for passenger safety, and various convenient storage spaces.
PLANA has now joined a select group of eVTOL aircraft developers, including Lilium from Germany, and Vertical Aerospace from the United Kingdom, both who have received this prestigious award.
PLANA has applied for four design registrations with the Korean Intellectual Property Office since last year, with pending applications for various parts of the aircraft, including the cockpit.
Jinmo Lee, chief product officer of PLANA, pledged to continue investing in research and development to stay at the forefront of the air mobility industry. AAM is gaining traction as a new mode of transportation to connect areas not served by traditional air services.
PLANA is developing an aircraft that reduces carbon dioxide emissions by more than 80% compared to conventional helicopters. With a range of 500 kilometres, and a payload to fit a pilot and up to six passengers.
PLANA is currently testing and validating a scaled-down aircraft. The company recently opened two offices in the USA and is working on the FAA certification while expanding its global ecosystem.
Last month, PLANA established US branches in Silicon Valley and Irvine, California to facilitate the FAA certification process of the company’s AAM aircraft and expand into the global markets.
