AAMI Weekly Newsletter, April 26th, 2024
Advanced Air Mobility International
The global hub for #engineering and technical developments in Advanced Air Mobility and Urban Air Mobility.
Here’s a roundup of this week’s top news and developments in the advanced air mobility industry…
Volatus Infrastructure and Spectrum Associates Inc. have agreed to collaborate on the development of an eVTOL infrastructure ecosystem.?
The collaboration is specifically focused on vertiports in the New England region of the United States.?
VI&E Solutions Chief Commercial Officer BOB JOHNSON , said; “Partnering with an established aerospace engineering manufacturer, such as Spectrum Associates, established in 1957, will be the long pole in the tent for building infrastructure for vertiports and eVTOL charging in Advanced Air Mobility.
“We look forward to complimenting their 75 years of manufacturing in the commercial and military aircraft sector and tee up our collective experience for vertiport networks globally.”
Wellington and Marlborough Airports have been selected as the ports for Air New Zealand ’s first all-electric aircraft.?
Wellington Airport will be the home base of Air New Zealand’s first next-generation aircraft, while Marlborough Airport will also establish charging infrastructure to power the aircraft for the return journey.
Air New Zealand’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Kiri Hannifin , said; “We are incredibly grateful to both Wellington and Marlborough airports for being so willing to take on a leadership role in supporting Air New Zealand to establish next generation aircraft capability in our business.
“Their involvement is critical in supporting the infrastructure required to fly next-generation aircraft, and they’ll help lead the way in supporting airports across Aotearoa to make the changes needed for us to fly larger lower-emissions aircraft on our domestic network from 2030.”
Electra.aero has received a contract that funds powered wind tunnel testing of the company’s hybrid eSTOL aircraft.?
The $1.9 million Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract enables the U.S. Army to explore Electra’s unique blown wing aircraft technology potential to broaden U.S. military capabilities, especially for fuel-efficient, resilient logistics in contested environments.
Ben Marchionna , Electra’s Director of Technology and Innovation, said; “There is a substantial benefit to employing the right-sized aircraft for a given payload-range mission. It’s a very effective method to substantially reduce fuel use – or operational energy – in theater, which really matters for enabling distributed operations in contested locations.
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“Many of the most commonly deployed military logistics solutions in use today are flown well below their intended payload capacity. Our eSTOL aircraft can fulfill these missions while using dramatically less fuel, providing much more range, operating at significantly reduced noise levels, and utilizing the same constrained operational ground footprints. It’s an extremely compelling capability and we’re thrilled to be working with the Army team to advance this key national security technology.”
Sonaca has been named as a strategic supplier for Wisk , and will develop major components for the company’s 6th Generation autonomous air taxi.??
Sonaca will produce and supply major primary structural assemblies of Wisk’s Gen 6 aircraft, having previously supported the design phase of these components.
Brian Yutko , CEO of Wisk, added; “Sonaca is a leader in development and manufacturing of aircraft systems and has been an outstanding partner in our Gen 6 aircraft program.?
“At Wisk, we’re doing something that has never been done before: certifying an autonomous, battery electric aircraft for commercial passenger use. Sonaca’s capabilities have been key in helping us to achieve that mission by partnering in the development of critical structures for our aircraft.”
The sensors will play a critical role in accurately sensing the engine’s position, ensuring that the jet can safely reach the exact position required for a successful takeoff.
Yves Yemsi, Lilium chief operating officer, said; “Honeywell’s expertise in both the aerospace and sensing industries means that they are able to understand the unique needs of and create tailored solutions for the Lilium Jet.
“In rethinking the traditional resolver, Honeywell is playing a key role in turning our concept, a fully-electric jet that takes off and lands vertically, into a reality.”