Hybrid eVTOLs

Orlando startup JetX is planning a configurable eVTOL "flying car" chassis, and testing a quiet, modular propulsion system that vectors thrust from bladed or bladeless fans without tilting them, opening up some interesting design possibilities.

Odys is developing a remarkable nine-seat hybrid-electric VTOL targeted at long-range, high-speed regional travel rather than urban air taxi duties. Co-founder James Dorris explains this unique diamond box-wing aircraft and its blown-flap VTOL system.

Czech eVTOL startup Zuri came to our attention last year when it began hover tests of a long-range, hybrid-powered lift and cruise style aircraft. Today, the company unveiled its second-gen design, with a totally different tilting propulsion system.

San Francisco's Elroy Air has revealed its pre-production Chaparral C1, an autonomous VTOL lift & cruise cargo drone running on a hybrid-electric system that allows it to transport loads up to 500 lb over distances up to 300 miles.

France's Ascendance has released an updated design and range figure for its long-range, fan-in-wing, eVTOL air taxi. The Atea will use batteries and kerosene for energy storage, but its modular hybrid system will eventually support hydrogen as well.

Czech company Zuri has commenced hover testing on its first near-scale VTOL air taxi tech demonstrator. With a hybrid powertrain on board, this team promises real-world range figures up to 720 km (447 miles) at cruise speeds up to 320 km/h (200 mph).

Russia's Foundation for Advanced Research has already flown a 60-kg prototype of its Cyclocar VTOL aircraft, which uses a super-responsive cyclical propeller propulsion system. A full-size, long-range, six-seat Cyclocar is expected within a few years.

The Trifan 600 will fly up to eight passengers helipad to helipad at ranges up to 750 miles and speeds up to 345 mph – figures nothing in the eVTOL world can touch thanks to its hybrid powertrain. XTI and Xeriant have partnered to get it into production.

We're all hoping for electric VTOL aircraft, but France's Ascendance isn't willing to wait for batteries and hydrogen to break through. The company says its Atea hybrid will deliver long-range VTOL travel with just 20 percent of a helicopter's emissions.

Canada's Horizon Aircraft has popped up out of stealth mode with a gorgeous and innovative 5-seat hybrid eVTOL design using a wicked-cool split-wing mechanism to transition between VTOL and horizontal flight, and a totally unique path to market.

Switzerland's Manta Aircraft is working on a flexible hybrid-electric canard aircraft design that will be capable of VTOL or efficient STOL operations. A one-third scale model has been built, and the team is preparing for its first flight tests.

British company Samad Aerospace has unveiled a very unique VTOL aircraft design. The long-range, high-speed Q-Starling uses modified helicopter turbine engines to power turbojet thrusters as well as to charge the battery on an electric VTOL system.