CityAirbus NextGen: Bringing sexy back
After Airbus’s Vahana and CityAirbus projects, its new CityAirbus NextGen eVTOL aims above and beyond.
THE AIR TAXI revolution is bringing sexy back to aviation. In a big way. If you don’t believe it, look at the refreshed CityAirbus NextGen eVTOL with its fixed wings, V-shaped tail and all-electric form.
Although it looks very different from the first CityAirbus, Joerg Mueller, head of Urban Air Mobility at Airbus, tells Corporate Jet Investor it is not that different. “We have taken the learnings and distilled what we think is the perfect design point for a future urban air mobility vehicle,” says Mueller.
Balkiz Sarihan, head of UAM Strategy Execution & Partnerships, Airbus says: “It is the best of both worlds – the Vahana and CityAirbus.”
The NextGen will carry four passengers over a range of 50 miles (80kms) and reach a cruise speed of 75 mph (120 kms/h). Airbus hopes to certify the aircraft in 2025, within European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA’s) special condition enhanced category.
First missions are likely to be urban or suburban missions, such as airport shuttle flights within cities. Next missions could be tourism and emergency medical services.
What will it cost? This is likely to be a notch above what you would pay for a premium ground taxi service, says Mueller.
In order to begin flights without too many restrictions, NextGen’s first missions will initially rely on existing infrastructure on top of buildings, hospitals and in rural areas.
The NextGen eVTOL’s initial missions will be piloted, with a push towards autonomous flight to follow. “We need to make sure that the technology is there to automate the flight path and ensure safety at all times,” says Mueller.
CJI Miami: Pooling knowledge
Delegates from around the world gathered in Miami Beach to pool insights on business aviation.
HOT. ONE WORD described both the Florida weather during Corporate Jet Investor’s Miami 2021 conference and the temperature of business aviation in the world’s biggest market – North America.
More than 500 industry leaders met to share insights on the boom market for private aviation in the days when the word Omicron signified simply the fifteenth letter of the Greek alphabet. Speaker after speaker reported record business highs as a new generation of High-Net Worth Individuals, supplemented by some corporate flyers, sought the sanctuary and convenience of private jet travel.
But burgeoning demand also brought downsides. Aircraft brokers reported struggling to find quality pre-owned aircraft, charter brokers were struggling to find lift while operators highlighted the challenges of hiring pilots and technicians. Almost everyone talked about the difficulties of finding enough business hours in the day. At least, this JSSI hosted poolside cocktail reception provided moments of relaxation and refreshment.
Read the full report on here.
Wind tunnel vision: Denali prop
PICTURED IN WIND tunnel tests, McCauley Propellor Systems’ new five-bladed propellor graces Textron Aviation’s single-engine turboprop Beechcraft Denali. The 105in (277cm) diameter composite, five-blade, constant speed propeller is capable of full feathering and is equipped with both reversible pitch and ice protection.
Wind tunnel tests of the C1106 propellor were conducted at RUAG’s facilities in Emmen, Switzerland. The Beechcraft Denali – named after the tallest peak in North America – made its maiden flight in November last year. The aircraft (pictured) is due to gain FAA certification next year. Described as “a clean-sheet design”, the Denali is engineered to achieve cruise speeds of 285 knots and full fuel payload of 1,100lbs (499kg). Achieving a range of 1,600nm carrying one pilot and four passengers, the Denali will be able to link Los Angeles to Chicago, New York to Miami or London to Moscow. In standard seating configuration the Denali offers six individual reclining seats or there is a nine-place high-density seating option.
Wind tunnel vision: Denali prop
PICTURED IN WIND tunnel tests, McCauley Propellor Systems’ new five-bladed propellor graces Textron Aviation’s single-engine turboprop Beechcraft Denali. The 105in (277cm) diameter composite, five-blade, constant speed propeller is capable of full feathering and is equipped with both reversible pitch and ice protection.
Wind tunnel tests of the C1106 propellor were conducted at RUAG’s facilities in Emmen, Switzerland. The Beechcraft Denali – named after the tallest peak in North America – made its maiden flight in November last year. The aircraft (pictured) is due to gain FAA certification next year. Described as “a clean-sheet design”, the Denali is engineered to achieve cruise speeds of 285 knots and full fuel payload of 1,100lbs (499kg). Achieving a range of 1,600nm carrying one pilot and four passengers, the Denali will be able to link Los Angeles to Chicago, New York to Miami or London to Moscow. In standard seating configuration the Denali offers six individual reclining seats or there is a nine-place high-density seating option.
