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World-first formation flight of three autonomous eVTols
Autoflight conducted the flight over Shanghai and in the future plans to complement urban and regional transport by building quiet and affordable air taxis.
AutoFlight, an eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) specialist, reports it has carried out a formation test flight of three autonomous, electric air taxis in what it considers to be a milestone moment for the air taxi industry.
Three of AutoFlight’s Prosperity I models were involved in the flight, which took place in Shanghai, China. The company claims it demonstrates its capability in rapid prototype design, manufacturing, and its ambition to shape the future of aerial transportation.
Affordable airtaxis
“We aim to complement urban and regional means of transport for all people by building very safe, quiet, and affordable airtaxis,” said Tian Yu, founder of AutoFlight.
Lukasz Gadowski, technology entrepreneur, investor, and backer of AutoFlight, added: “It is a delight to be part of a venture that’s reshaping the frontiers of technology and innovation. With this successful flight, we have set a new standard for the eVTOL industry.”
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The company previously achieved a world record flight in February 2023 where one of its prototypes covered 250km on a single battery charge, demonstrating the potential for sustainability in the sector.
AutoFlight plans to make the prototypes into products, with a cargo version set to be released for safe cargo transport in Asia next year, and a passenger version gradually developed in the coming years, meeting the highest safety standards for aviation, according to the company.
“The formation flight is a testament to our commitment towards making aerial transport safe, sustainable, and accessible. “We have much more to come”
“The formation flight is a testament to our commitment towards making aerial transport safe, sustainable, and accessible,” said Mark Henning, former Airbus Helicopter engineering chief and head of the AutoFlight Europe team. “We have much more to come.”
AutoFlight has dual headquarters in Augsburg, Germany, and Shanghai, China.
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How does AutoFlight ensure safety in autonomous eVTOL formation flights?What technologies enable the Prosperity I model's 250km battery range?How will affordable air taxis impact urban and regional transportation?What are the key design features of AutoFlight's cargo eVTOL version?How does formation flying improve efficiency or reliability in eVTOL operations?
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