Airbus is the latest entrant in the eVTOL race, as it has introduced its electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing aircraft. The potential flying taxi packs a sleek design and is named the CityAirbus NextGen. It features the best bits from previous designs that include the CityAirbus and Vahana demonstrators.
The company revealed its eVTOL aircraft in a video shared online recently. The aircraft is designed for trips in urban areas and packs fixed wings, a V-shaped tail, and eight electrically powered propellers. It is capable of ferrying up to four passengers in a zero-emissions flight for around 80 kilometers at speeds of up to 120 kph.
A quieter eVTOL in the making
Notably, CityAirbus NextGen’s designers have worked hard to make it quiet in comparison to other eVTOLs. This will be important if the company intends on using it for regular trips in populated areas. Airbus says its new air taxi keeps noise levels below 65 dBA while flying and below 70 dBA during takeoff and landing, which makes it quieter than a conventional helicopter.
“We are on a quest to co-create an entirely new market that sustainably integrates urban air mobility into the cities while addressing environmental and social concerns,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.
As of now, the CityAirbus NextGen aircraft is in the design phase, with the first flight of a prototype planned for 2023.
NASA also joining the party
Besides, NASA has also officially started testing an all-electric take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The vehicle has been developed by California-based Joby Aviation, with the hopes of establishing an entirely new form of city-to-city travel.
The aircraft can travel up to 150 km with high speeds of up to 200 mph. Earlier, the flight testing showed that the vehicle is comparatively quiet. Besides, the space agency is hoping its AAM program will also “provide an efficient and affordable system for passenger and cargo transportation.”
