British VTOL engineering company Vertical Aerospace has released designs for an upcoming five-seat tilt rotor air taxi it's calling the VA-1X ....
Designed to be a high performing aircraft, able to connect entire regions as well as carrying out shorter missions across single cities, the VA-1X will be capable of carrying up to five people, a pilot and four passengers, VA-1X is set to be the world’s first certified winged all-electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and is on course to start commercial flights in 2024.
Safety is at the heart Vertical Aerospace and comes before anything else. VA-1X will be flown by experienced pilots and certified through EASA, at exactly the same safety levels that we have all come to rightly expect from commercial airlines. VA-1X will have exceptional safety levels, inherent redundancy and be a really safe, great way to travel.
Inherently, VA-1X will be exceptionally aerodynamically efficient, able to fly with far less energy and power than a helicopter would need. With cruise speeds of 150 mph and a range of up to 100 miles, it will provide travel from London to Brighton in approximately half an hour, compared to two hours driving, or an hour by train.
To ensure the journey is as quiet as it can possibly be the VA-1X has also been designed with noise reduction in mind. Using distributed propulsion and large open rotors, that have significantly lower tip speeds than on a helicopter, VA-1X can achieve noise levels 30 times quieter than an equivalent helicopter, allowing it to blend into inner-city life.
The interior of VA-1X was designed to create an unparalleled passenger experience. Offset side doors allow passengers to enter and exit the aircraft with ease with plenty of room for luggage in both a separate compartment and by your seat.
Once seated passengers can enjoy the space which the campfire style seating provides,
with an enhanced airy experience provided by the above skylight. Sizeable windows further provide extraordinary views as you see your city through a new perspective.
Charging points offer the opportunity to work whilst travelling and information screens will keep passengers up to date on your journey’s progress.
Sustainability is at the forefront of everything Vertical Aerospace works on. Not only does VA-1X achieve emission-free flight, with no fumes or contaminants from combustion products, it will also be powered by renewable energy where possible.
Vertical Aerospace strives to set the highest ethical and environmental standards.
Build will begin shortly, with manufacturing taking place in the UK with prototype production and flight trails to start in 2021 and commercial production starting in 2023/2024.
