Revolution.Aero

In our latest episode of The Revolution.Aero Podcast we have none other than Gregory Davis, president of Raisbeck Engineering. A licensed commercial pilot and accomplished engineer, Davis has over 15 years of experience in leadership roles within aviation. His current post at Seattle-based Raisbeck is with a company that specialises in providing aerodynamically designed enhancements to aircraft – working with OEMs such as Boeing and Bombardier. But as well as engineering incremental improvement, something aviation has become accustomed to, Davis has also immersed himself in the other end of the spectrum, namely the electric aircraft startup world, formerly heading up Eviation. We take a tour through Davis' career and get his perspectives on the state of electric aircraft industry and innovation within aviation more widely. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/ehdfKcVu

The initial on-water trial of a full-scale sea glider prototype has been a success, according to Michael Klinker, co-founder and chief technical officer at REGENT. Speaking to Revolution.Aero, Klinker said the team is “looking forward” to continued testing through a multi-month campaign that plans to take the vessel – which is a full-scale prototype of Regent’s Viceroy seaglider – from floating on its hull to foiling on hydrofoils and then to flying in ground effect (about a wingspan from the surface of the water) by the middle of 2025. “Developing the full-scale seaglider prototype involved addressing issues of scale and safety,” Klinker told us. “Scaling up from our quarter-scale prototype meant dealing with larger components, higher loads, and a more complex supply chain—all while ensuring the vehicle could carry substantial weight and operate at high speeds.” Read full: https://lnkd.in/eCTGhVdt

In our latest episode of The Revolution.Aero Podcast we welcome Mark Moore, founder and CEO of Whisper Aero. A renowned figure in the world of advanced air mobility, Moore is someone who has been there throughout it all. After working at NASA for three decades he then moved on to Uber, before heading up his own company developing ultra quiet electric thrusters at multiple scales. Some argue Moore is a controversial contributor to the advanced air mobility conversation, others will tell you his input is invaluable. We discuss why Moore believes it important to remain in dialogue and the responsibility he feels toward ensuring the continued growth of electric aviation as a whole. We also touch on the motivations behind founding Whisper Aero and where he sees the industry evolving in the future. Plus much more. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/e3DkmU4X

Moya Aero has been awarded a $2m grant to develop a portable ground control system for high-capacity drones by the Brazilian government. The grant comes directly from Finep, a Brazilian government organisation that promotes domestic technology innovation. Alexandre Zaramela, Moya’s CEO said: “The new system will lighten the operational burden on pilots through automation and is designed to lower pollutant emissions by facilitating the use of hybrid and electric vehicles. Additionally, it will optimise delivery routes using AI, increasing efficiency and safety in simultaneous drone operations. These enhancements promise to make logistics more effective, economical, and sustainable.” Read full: https://lnkd.in/etpHFsEH

Ascendance has selected Safran Electrical & Power’s ENGINeUS, the first electric motor to be certified by EASA, for its hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The electric motor will power Ascendance’s Atea aircraft prototype through initial testing, the French company reports. The prototype demonstrator, currently in production, will have two ENGINeUS electric motors each developing more than 100kW. Jean-Christophe Lambert, Ascendance’s CEO said: “This collaboration with Safran Electrical & Power, a leading industrial player, is an opportunity for us to benefit from their expertise in performance and safety, as well as the performance of the ENGINeUS motors.” Agnès Pronost-Gilles, executive vice president and general manager of Power Division, Safran Electrical & Power added: “We are very proud to support Ascendance with their ambitious VTOL ATEA program. This announcement, which comes after the EASA certification of our ENGINeUS motor, consolidates our position as a pioneer in electric propulsion.” Read full: https://lnkd.in/eeWnRaQf

BLADE and Skyports Infrastructure are launching a pilot programme to gather data that will help support eVTOL operations from Downtown Manhattan Heliport. The pilot expands Blade’s existing helicopter transfer service that connects the Downtown heliport and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The new service will fly passengers transferring to and from flights at JFK, in addition to Long Island and Queens residents commuting to or from Manhattan. Nathan Alexander, VP of Rotorcraft for Blade, said: “[The] quiet and emission-free design [of electric vertical aircraft] will support the expansion of convenient landing zones while reducing commuter costs. From logistics, passenger experience, booking, ground crew and even flight time, electric vertical aircraft services will be nearly identical to Blade’s current helicopter offerings, but using next-generation aircraft.” Addison Ferrell, director of Infrastructure for Skyports, added: “Skyports and Blade are committed to transforming the Downtown Manhattan Heliport into one of the leading Electric Aircraft vertiports in the world. This alliance with Blade will serve to meaningfully accelerate this common mission to unlock the skies for eVTOL flights.” Read full: https://lnkd.in/eMvMa5qB

magniX has launched a new range of electric engines it calls HeliStorm designed for helicopters ranging from light single engine to larger hybrid-electric twin engine rotorcraft. The first engine in the range provides peak power of 330kW at a weight of 75 kg. Key features also include an operating speed of 6,000-7,000 RPM and scalable power output ranges, reports magniX. “The helicopter market represents a tremendous opportunity for magniX, as the strengths of our technology align well with the market need,” said Reed Macdonald, CEO of magniX. Riona Armesmith, magniX’s chief technology officer said: “Our HeliStorm engines are designed for the specific demands of vertical lift applications and will give magniX the ability to electrify a wider range of platforms.” David Smith, CEO of Robinson Helicopters added: “magniX has a proven track record when it comes to powering our R44 with their electric motors.” Read full: https://lnkd.in/eyYfgm6u

UK-based eVTOL developer Sora Aviation has secured a pre-order for 20 aircraft from Korean helicopter operator Moviation Inc.. The deal for Sora’s 30-seat S-1 eVTOL aircraft also includes an agreement that will see both firms explore route planning and associated tasks. The pair aim to launch with three routes: Jamsil Heliport to Incheon Airport, Yeouido financial district to Incheon Airport and Jamsil Heliport to Sejong City. “We are thrilled to partner with Moviation to bring efficient, scalable eVTOL services to South Korea,” said Furqan -., CEO of Sora Aviation. Moviation CEO Min Shin added: “As South Korea accelerates its transition to urban air mobility, we see the S-1 as a game-changer. Its larger capacity and lower operating costs per passenger compared with helicopters and smaller eVTOLs make it an ideal fit for high-demand routes like Jamsil to Incheon.” Read full: https://lnkd.in/eHPPNUai

Seaglider developer REGENT has begun sea trials using a full-scale crewed prototype. The first on-water tests of the 55ft long, 65ft wingspan prototype follow Regent’s quarter-scale seaglider tests conducted in 2022. “Sea trials are just the beginning,” said Billy Thalheimer, Regent co-founder and CEO. “This is the first step toward delivering Viceroy seagliders around the world and fulfilling our global order book. It’s a true testament to the dedication of our world-class team and partners across the globe that we’ve accomplished this historic milestone in just four years since our founding.” “Stepping off the dock and onto the Viceroy seaglider prototype for the first time was surreal,” said Michael Klinker, co-founder and chief technical officer of Regent. “I felt honoured to be in the cockpit as she left the dock for the first time and started sea trials. This was the first voyage of a vessel that is destined to transform mobility — the era of seagliders has begun.” Read full: https://lnkd.in/eUGeWUz5

A low-cost digital flight strip platform, cleared by the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority for use as a standalone system, has been operating live since last weekend and could offer the solution that air traffic controllers the world over have been looking for. The software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform, known as Skytower, has been designed and developed by London-based startup Skyverse, which has done so with an initial seed raise of about £400,000. Now, having just closed their follow-on seed round for approximately £500,000, co-founder and chief operating officer Hal Newberry MPhys tells us the company is focused on refining user experience through three months of planned use at Redhill Aerodrome, before rolling out the system with features required by regional and international airports. Read full: https://lnkd.in/er8w6_eX