JAKARTA - Electric helicopters with many rotors were seen making their first flight in conventional air traffic near Paris on Thursday, November 10, which is preparation for commercial flights starting in 2024.
The Volocopter test plane, which resembles a massive drone with eight rotors, took off with a passenger inside from the Pontoise-Cormeilles airfield outside Paris. This Volocopter is spinning for a while other aircraft are in the vicinity.
All eyes on our #VoloCity during the vertiport terminal opening of @Skyports_Infra and @GroupeADP. pic.twitter.com/e3KCRkIfRS
— Volocopter (@volocopter) November 10, 2022
CEO of German company Volocopter, Dirk Hoke, said that in the next 18 months his party will prepare everything for certification and hope to launch a short commercial flight by 2024. This happened when Paris held the Summer Olympics.
The company wants its two-seater aircraft to eventually air fully automatically, with only passengers on board, but recognizes that much work is still needed in terms of infrastructure, airspace integration, and public revenue.
The pilot pilot pilot Paul Stone said that the aircraft's digital fly-by-wire system and many rotors made it easier to fly than traditional helicopters.
"In a helicopter, when you move one control, three things happen, and it's like tapping your head and sweeping your stomach - this is a coordination exercise. On this plane, they get rid of all those difficulties, and very simple controls on each axis, that's what makes flying easier," he said, as quoted by Reuters.
Valerie Pecresse, president of the Ile-de-France region around Paris, said the region had provided financial support for the initiative because she wanted the first passenger flights on the vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) to be carried out here.
Great news emerged from #Pontoise, where we’re showcasing our #VoloIQ tech. It’s the digital enabler that will allow customers to enjoy a seamless journey. Watch the video to see how easy the entire process is, from booking a #VoloCity flight to arriving at your destination. pic.twitter.com/SKFPjbLD3h
— Volocopter (@volocopter) November 11, 2022
"Development of low-altitude flights for urban air mobility is a promising adventure," he said in a statement.
Volocopter is competing with companies around the world, including Lilimum, Joby Aviation and Airbus to be the first flying taxis to be certified by regulators. Volocopter itself targets to achieve this within about two years.
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