AIR ONE eVTOL Achieves Full Forward Flight Transition Milestone
On December 18, 2024, Israeli aviation startup AIR celebrated a significant accomplishment. The AIR ONE prototype, their flagship electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, successfully completed its first full forward flight. This marked a critical milestone in eVTOL development, as the aircraft transitioned flawlessly from vertical hover to cruising speed.
The full-scale AIR ONE prototype, loaded to its maximum capacity of 1,100 kg (2,425 lbs), took off vertically at approximately 3:00 PM Israel time. It then transitioned to its nominal cruising speed. This achievement came just five months after the company’s successful hover flight testing, keeping the project on track.
The AIR ONE is a two-seat personal eVTOL aircraft with a unique design. Its collapsible wings allow it to fit in a typical garage. Despite its compact form factor, it offers a range of over 10 miles at speeds up to 150 miles per hour. The vehicle has been approved for the FAA’s Light Sport Aircraft category, potentially making it the first two-seat eVTOL certified for flight in the United States.
AIR’s approach is centered around personal air mobility. They aim to cater to individual owners who crave the freedom of personal flight, rather than focusing on commercial air taxi services. To support production scaling, the company recently inaugurated a new 32,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in central Israel. This facility has the capacity to build up to six aircraft at various stages simultaneously.
Source: https://www.airev.aero/news