Summary
- Volocopter and Airbus have dropped their urban air mobility programs
- Issues with engine certifications and battery technology led to the failure of Volocopter’s plans for air taxi services during the Paris 2024 Olympics
- Airbus halted the development of its CityAirbus due to concerns over battery technology not meeting requirements for the aircraft’s intended missions
- Rolls Royce shut down its Advanced Air Mobility division, leaving only Boeing, Wisk Aero, and Embraer with eVTOL initiatives
- Joby received additional funding but is unlikely to receive FAA type certifications for eVTOL aircraft before 2027, delaying commercial operations for years
Article
The urban air mobility sector is facing challenges as two more companies, Volocopter and Airbus, have halted their eVTOL programs. Volocopter, founded in 2011, aimed to disrupt urban transportation with its eVTOL technology. However, delays in obtaining necessary engine certifications and criticism over noise pollution and exclusivity of the service led to its downfall. Similarly, Airbus paused its CityAirbus program due to concerns over battery technology not meeting the requirements for its intended missions. This highlights the difficulty of developing eVTOL aircraft due to certification costs and technical challenges.
The safety concerns surrounding eVTOL aircraft, especially in transitioning from vertical to horizontal flight, have been evident through crashes of military aircraft like the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey and the F-35B Lightning II. These incidents, despite not being in war zones, emphasize the complexities and risks associated with VTOL technology. Companies like Rolls Royce have already left the vertiport, leaving only a few major manufacturers like Boeing and Embraer with eVTOL initiatives. With Airbus abandoning its CityAirbus program, the future of eVTOL aircraft remains uncertain.
Joby, another player in the eVTOL space, recently secured additional funding but is facing challenges in the final stages of FAA certification. The FAA is not expected to issue type certifications for eVTOL aircraft until 2027, delaying commercial operations for companies like Joby. The high cost of certification and the need for regulatory alignment present significant barriers for eVTOL manufacturers. Despite being well-funded, Joby, like other companies in the sector, may struggle to sustain their operations without a viable business case.
In contrast, China has achieved a milestone with the certification of the RX4E, the world’s first fully electric general aviation aircraft. This four-seat propeller aircraft, powered by a lithium battery system, highlights progress in electric aircraft technology. However, the challenges with battery energy density persist for eVTOL aircraft, making it difficult to meet the demanding requirements of urban air mobility. The focus on battery technology and performance remains a crucial aspect for the success of electric rotorcraft.
With the departure of key players like Volocopter and Airbus, the future of eVTOL aircraft is uncertain. While companies like Boeing and Embraer continue their marketing efforts, the challenges in certification, battery technology, and regulatory alignment pose significant obstacles. The industry’s ability to overcome these hurdles will determine the viability of urban air mobility and the widespread adoption of eVTOL technology. The complexities and risks associated with VTOL aircraft highlight the need for continued innovation and collaboration to ensure the safe and effective integration of eVTOL aircraft into urban transportation systems.
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