Video Transcript
Airbus recently unveiled a new four-seat electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle (eVTOL) that could one day take to the skies as part of the future of urban air mobility. The full-electric CityAirbus NextGen prototype is a two-metric-tonne class aircraft with a 12-meter wing span and the ability to fly up to 80 km, or about 50 miles. The craft can reach a cruise speed of 120 km/h (about 75 mph).
As the prototype nears its first flight, which is scheduled for later this year, the planemaker says it is an ideal design for operations in major cities.
Airbus rolled out the CityAirbus NextGen as part of the grand opening of the new test center in Donauwörth, Germany. The new facility will test eVTOL systems and will play a significant role in Airbus’ long-term investment in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). The test center has been operational since December 2023 and will soon test the electric motors in the craft’s eight rotors and other flight controls and avionics before NextGen’s maiden flight.
While eVTOLs could fit commercial passenger travel, like an air taxi, the likely best candidate for the technology is in medical services, such as air medical missions. In March 2023, Airbus partnered with the Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation to research potential applications in life-saving scenarios.
Airbus also recently partnered with aviation company LCI to ensure the idea is economically viable. LCI will focus on potential collaborations and business models in strategy, commercialization, and financing, which are three key areas vital to Advanced Air Mobility’s (AAM) success.
The aircraft will be quiet as it will be deployed in highly populated urban environments. Safety and efficiency during cruise and hover flight phases are also vital to NextGen’s success.
Finally, last June, the planemaker signed a deal with global semiconductor company STMicroelectronics to work together on R&D surrounding the power electronics required in full-electric urban air vehicles.
A NextGen demonstrator has already conducted some 200 flight and ground tests. While it is possible that the craft could one day operate autonomously, the NextGen will initially be piloted.
