Volocopter VoloConnect

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VoloConnect
2021-Model-VoloConnect.jpg
model 2021
Role eVTOL
National origin Germany
Manufacturer Volocopter GmbH
Introduction Planned for 2026
Status Under development

The VoloConnect is an electrically powered aircraft that can take off and land vertically (eVTOL). It is being developed by the German company Volocopter.[1]

History[]

The concept of the VoloConnect was presented first on May 17, 2021 at the EBACE Connect conference.[2] The prototype was developed within two years in Munich under the direction of chief engineer Sebastian Mores. So far, only scaled-down prototypes have been tested in flight. The certification SC VTOL  enhanced (10−9)[3] shall be reached within the next 5 years. The VoloConnect will be linked to the Volocopter software platform VoloIQ.[4][5] In cooperation with Fraport, take-off and landing areas are planned which are necessary for the implementation of the urban air mobility concept.[6]

Design[]

The VoloConnect does not only has a multi-rotor system. It uses a hybrid lift and push design with a purely electric drive. It's equipped with 8 individual motors, 6 of them are connected to free propellers generate the lift and two to ducted propellers providing the forward thrust. There is a main high-wing wing with two outriggers for the 6 VTOL propellers. The stern is V-shaped.[7] The lift of the VoloConnect is not only generated by propellers, as is usual with Volocopter, but also with its wings. This is energetically better.

Specifications[]

Data from Volocopter / Electric VTOL News by the Vertical Flight Society[7]

General characteristics

  • Crew: None (autopilot)
  • Capacity: 2 - 3 passengers, 300–400 kg (660–880 lb)[8] payload
  • Powerplant: 6 × Vertical Electric
  • Powerplant: 2 × Horizontal Electric

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 160 mph (250 km/h, 130 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 110 mph (180 km/h, 97 kn)
  • Range: 62 mi (100 km, 54 nmi)

Usage[]

The VoloConnect is designed for short range personal transport, it's connecting the suburbs to cities.[9]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ "Volocopter unveils VoloConnect, its longer-range eVTOL air taxi". evtol.news. 17 May 2021. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  2. ^ "EBACE Connect 2021 : May 17 – May 20". evtol.news. 21 May 2021. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  3. ^ "Special Condition for VTOL and Means of Compliance". easa.europa.eu. 23 June 2021. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  4. ^ "Volocopter and Lufthansa Industry Solutions cooperate to build VoloIQ on Microsoft Azure". evtol.news. 28 October 2020. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  5. ^ "Volocopter and Lufthansa Industry Solutions cooperate to build VoloIQ". revolution.aero. 28 October 2020. Retrieved 24 August 2021.
  6. ^ "Fraport and Volocopter to develop airport infrastructure and passenger processes for air taxi services". futuretravelexperience.com. February 2019. Retrieved 5 September 2021.
  7. ^ a b "Volocopter VoloConnect". evtol.news. 19 December 2019. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  8. ^ Andrew J. Hawkins (17 May 2021). "Volocopter unveils VoloConnect, its longer-range eVTOL air taxi". evtol.com/news. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  9. ^ de Jager, Wiebe (17 May 2021). "Volocopter unveils new urban air mobility aircraft design for connecting suburbs to cities". dronewatch.eu. Retrieved 24 August 2021.

External links[]

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