Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles, also referred to as ‘air taxis’ fall under the banner of new transformational Advanced Air Mobility aircraft designs and propulsion technology operations.
But what are their uses, both within and outside the urban environment?
Toronto-based eVTOL developer, Horizon Aircraft, has identified the first types of routes and use cases for these types of aircraft, reports Simple Flying.
According to Horizon’s survey, conducted last November, 28% of respondents were optimistic that the first eVTOL routes would start operating in 2025, while 13% expected the routes to be up and running this year already; 27% placed their bets on 2024 and the remainder said 2026 and beyond.
The most significant initial use is believed to be search and rescue, followed by remote supply and organ transport, then passenger traffic, cargo transport, disaster relief, military missions and medical evacuations.
Brandon Robinson, Horizon Aircraft CEO said: “Our research highlights the variety of ways in which eVTOLs can be used. This is one of the key reasons why the sector is attracting so much investment, and it will be those aircraft that can be used for multiple purposes that will attract much of this financing.”
The largest market is predicted to be the US, followed by the UK, Canada, France and China.
Horizon Aircraft’s Cavorite X5 hybrid-electric five-seater aircraft will have a cruise speed of 350km/h and a range of 500km. It will be powered by 17 propellers, 16 for VTOL capabilities and one pusher propeller for forward flights.
