Engineering:Volocopter VoloConnect
| VoloConnect | |
|---|---|
| |
| 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
- ↑ "Volocopter unveils VoloConnect, its longer-range eVTOL air taxi". evtol.news. 2021-05-17. https://evtol.com/news/volocopter-unveils-voloconnect-longer-range-evtol-air-taxi/.
- ↑ "EBACE Connect 2021 : May 17 – May 20". evtol.news. 2021-05-21. https://simandflight.com/2021/05/21/ebace-connect-2021-may-17-may-20/.
- ↑ "Special Condition for VTOL and Means of Compliance". easa.europa.eu. 2021-06-23. https://www.easa.europa.eu/document-library/product-certification-consultations/special-condition-vtol#group-easa-downloads.
- ↑ "Volocopter and Lufthansa Industry Solutions cooperate to build VoloIQ on Microsoft Azure". evtol.news. 2020-10-28. https://www.rhapsody-magazine.com/2020/10/28/volocopter-and-lufthansa-industry-solutions-cooperate-to-build-voloiq-on-microsoft-azure/.
- ↑ "Volocopter and Lufthansa Industry Solutions cooperate to build VoloIQ". 28 October 2020. https://www.revolution.aero/editorial-1/2020/10/28/volocopter-and-lufthansa-industry-solutions-cooperate-to-build-voloiq/0910.
- ↑ "Fraport and Volocopter to develop airport infrastructure and passenger processes for air taxi services". February 2019. https://www.futuretravelexperience.com/2019/02/fraport-volocopter-develop-air-taxi-service-infrastructure/.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Volocopter VoloConnect". evtol.news. 19 Dec 2019. https://evtol.news/volocopter-voloconnect.
- ↑ Andrew J. Hawkins (17 May 2021). "Volocopter unveils VoloConnect, its longer-range eVTOL air taxi". https://evtol.com/news/volocopter-unveils-voloconnect-longer-range-evtol-air-taxi/.
- ↑ de Jager, Wiebe (2021-05-17). "Volocopter unveils new urban air mobility aircraft design for connecting suburbs to cities". https://www.dronewatch.eu/volocopter-unveils-new-urban-air-mobility-aircraft-design-for-connecting-suburbs-to-cities/.
External links
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