New Atlas

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Boeing throws its weight behind Larry Page's flying taxi startup

Nick Lavars June 26, 2019

With the backing of Google co-founder Larry Page, Kitty Hawk already has some noteworthy names attached to its flying taxi endeavors. And it's now found another in heavyweight Boeing, with the industry veteran teaming up with its fresh-faced counterpart to accelerate the age of electric aviation.

Kitty Hawk first showed off its Cora aircraft last year and now Boeing has come onboard

Drones

Radical VTOL drone's wings are also its rotor blades

Ben Coxworth June 14, 2019

VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) drones already have some advantages over multicopters and fixed-wing drones, but could they offer even better functionality? The designers of the ROTORwing seem to think so, as their aircraft's wings actually double as its rotor blades.

A rendering of the commercial version of the ROTORwing drone, with its gimbal-mounted camera and red ...

Drones Audio available

Fixed-wing drone goes VTOL with add-on module

Ben Coxworth June 12, 2019

Lately we've been seeing an increasing number of VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) drones, that combine the best qualities of fixed-wing aircraft and quadcopters. So, what do you do if you already manufacture a standard fixed-wing model? In the case of FlyTech, you offer a VTOL upgrade module.

The Birdie drone with its VTOL module – in fixed-wing flight mode, it can remain airborne ...

Urban Transport Audio available

Aska flying car concept revealed in Israel

Ben Coxworth June 11, 2019

While we've seen some "flying cars" that require a runway, there's no doubt that what most people really want is a vehicle that takes off and lands more like a helicopter. Well, the Aska may be the answer … when and if it reaches production.

A flying Aska prototype may take to the air in early 2020

Drones Audio available

Vector VTOL drone transforms into Scorpion tricopter

Ben Coxworth June 10, 2019

While regular multicopter drones are highly stable and maneuverable, their vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) counterparts are faster and more energy-efficient when in forward flight. Germany's Quantum Systems has set out to combine the best of both worlds, with its 2-in-1 Vector/Scorpion drone.

The drone can be flown as a fixed-wing VTOL, or as a multicopter

Aircraft

Interview: Skai claims its air taxis will cost the same per mile as taking an Uber

Loz Blain June 7, 2019

Skai some big waves last month with the launch of its long-range hydrogen-powered eVTOL air taxi prototype. In an interview with New Atlas, Skai's CTO tells us these flying commuters will cost about the same per mile as an Uber ride, and that he expects to be able to land them just about anywhere.

Expecting to achieve full FAA certification by the end of 2020, Skai says its "point to ...

Aircraft Audio available

Skai hydrogen-powered eVTOL air taxi boasts enormous 400-mile range

Loz Blain May 29, 2019

A new electric VTOL air taxi company came out of stealth mode today, using a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain that neatly sidesteps the energy density issue that's holding back battery-powered aircraft. Alaka'i Technologies' Skai machine has a range of up to 4 hr/400 mi and a five-passenger capacity.

Alaka'i Technologies' Skai prototype is already in the process of FAA certification

Drones Audio available

Vogi VTOL drone uses swingin' props to keep things simple and efficient

Ben Coxworth May 24, 2019

Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) drones typically have four horizontal propellers for moving up and down, along with a vertical rear "pusher" prop for moving forward in more efficient fixed-wing flight. A new aircraft, however, uses the same four props for everything.

The Vogi seen from the front, with its four main propellers tilted forward

Urban Transport Audio available

Transcend Air and Lily Helipads team up to build eco-friendly "vertipads" for air taxis

Ben Coxworth May 17, 2019

It was a year ago that we first heard about Transcend Air Corporation's Vy 400, a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft that will ferry passengers in and out of cities. Now, the Boston-based company has announced plans for floating environmentally-friendly landing pads for the aircraft.

Vertipads are initially being planned for Boston, Manhattan, Montreal and San Francisco

Aircraft Audio available

Lilium's full-sized electric jet flies for the first time

Nick Lavars May 15, 2019

Lilium first emerged in 2016 as an aviation startup with some very lofty ambitions, revealing plans to develop a five-seat electric aircraft. It has now taken a significant step toward achieving this aim, completing a flight of a full-scale prototype.

The Lilium Jet five-seat aircraft on its maiden flight