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FlyNow eCopter takes a smaller, simpler approach to "air taxi" travel

By Ben Coxworth
February 09, 2024
FlyNow eCopter takes a smaller, simpler approach to "air taxi" travel
The eCopter may constitute a more attainable type of air taxi
The eCopter may constitute a more attainable type of air taxi
View 3 Images
The eCopter proof-of-concept model
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The eCopter proof-of-concept model
The eCopter may constitute a more attainable type of air taxi
2/3
The eCopter may constitute a more attainable type of air taxi
The eCopter's autopilot system will fly it from place to place based on preprogrammed flight patterns, plus the aircraft will be capable of automatically avoiding collisions with other aircraft or large birds
3/3
The eCopter's autopilot system will fly it from place to place based on preprogrammed flight patterns, plus the aircraft will be capable of automatically avoiding collisions with other aircraft or large birds
View gallery - 3 images

There are now a number of companies working on eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) "air taxis," most of which look a bit like larger versions of consumer quadcopter drones. The eCopter is different, however, in a way that could make it more likely to see real-world use.

Currently being developed by Austrian startup FlyNow Aviation, the auto-piloted eCopter features a coaxial electric drivetrain which incorporates two counter-rotating rotor propellers (one above the other).

This setup allows it to be classified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency as an electric helicopter. According to FlyNow, because the eCopter can be nicely slotted into this existing classification, certification should be much quicker and simpler than would be the case for more drone-like multi-rotor air taxis.

Additionally, the coaxial drivetrain contains fewer moving parts and just less hardware in general, reducing weight, materials costs and complexity. As a result, as compared to most other air taxis, the eCopter should reportedly be less expensive to build, buy and use, plus it should also have a better battery range.

The eCopter proof-of-concept model
The eCopter proof-of-concept model

FlyNow plans on offering one-and two-passenger versions of the aircraft, along with a cargo model.

All three will be made by adapting one base airframe, meaning that they won't each have to be designed or built from scratch – again, that should keep costs down. Ultimately, it is hoped that "cab fare" for the aircraft won't be much different from what users would pay in a ground taxi traveling between the same two points.

While FlyNow doesn't have a flying prototype yet, it has successfully conducted ground tests on a fully equipped full-scale proof-of-concept model. The company estimates that all three versions of the eCopter should ultimately have a flight/battery range of up to 50 km (31 miles), a cruising speed of 130 km/h (81 mph) and a maximum payload capacity of 200 kg (441 lb).

The eCopter's autopilot system will fly it from place to place based on preprogrammed flight patterns, plus the aircraft will be capable of automatically avoiding collisions with other aircraft or large birds
The eCopter's autopilot system will fly it from place to place based on preprogrammed flight patterns, plus the aircraft will be capable of automatically avoiding collisions with other aircraft or large birds

FlyNow CEO Jürgen Greil tells us that commercial production of the eCopter is planned to begin in 2026. The cargo model will be made first – as it should be easier to license – followed by a rollout of the passenger versions. We're told that the company is currently in discussion with potential commercial partners, who may utilize the aircraft in their air taxi or air cargo operations.

The eCopter concept is outlined in the following video.

FlyNow eCopter teaser

Source: FlyNow Aviation

View gallery - 3 images

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AircrafteVTOLAir TaxisHelicopters
20 comments
Ben Coxworth
Ben Coxworth
Based out of Edmonton, Canada, Ben Coxworth has been writing for New Atlas since 2009 and is presently Managing Editor for North America. An experienced freelance writer, he previously obtained an English BA from the University of Saskatchewan, then spent over 20 years working in various markets as a television reporter, producer and news videographer. Ben is particularly interested in scientific innovation, human-powered transportation, and the marine environment.

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20 comments
Nobody
Since the larger rotors are much more efficient, I'm surprised more companies haven't gone this route instead of oversized quad-copters. They seem to have to relearn basic propeller design.
vince
Looka like a real head chopper. Thats head remover if it tilts a bit while landing and someone is nearby its off with your head
TechGazer
If they've got a "fully equipped full-scale proof-of-concept model", why haven't they flown it yet? Surely they can lift it off the ground inside a warehouse if aviation rules won't allow outdoor testing. Testing of a box with a seat and a door doesn't prove that it will fly.
Towerman
I like IT ! !
Bushpossum
If it fails, does it just fall from the sky? Any plans for safety. Not wheelchair accessible of course, like most modern innovations.
Eggbones
@Nobody the larger the rotors, the noisier the aircraft.

@TechGazer as they'd have to report any sort of adverse outcome as part of the certification process, they won't rush into tethered flight.
Nobody
@Eggbones, larger propellers can spin at a slower speed than small rotors to generate the same thrust. Higher rotor speed increases drag and makes smaller ones less efficient. Ultralights learned this 50 years ago.
Benjamin Goldberg
I don't see a swashplate, how do this so-called helicopter tilt?
Uncle Anonymous
First off, I have to say that I like this concept. The only issue I have is the very short range. I wonder if it would be possible to replace the battery pack with a small generator like the folks at Liquid Piton are developing, and use that to power the electric motors? The Liquid Piston motor can be set up to run on almost anything liquid or gaseous that will burn. The nice thing would be a reasonable range and for a person like me that lives way out of town, something like this would be a game changer.
Expanded Viewpoint
You are right, Nobody! Just look at all of that wasted space between the blades of the props! They need to shorten those way down in the length department, and put in more of them to get the lift area back. And run a connector band around the tips to keep them from contacting solid objects. And use some styling cues from the bio world to increase the efficiency of the blades.
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