Donauwörth – Airbus has offered its full electrical CityAirbus NextGen prototype to the general public, forward of its maiden flight later this yr. The 2-tonne class CityAirbus, with a wing span of roughly 12 metres, is being developed to fly with a 80 km vary and to achieve a cruise pace of 120 km/h, making it completely fitted to operations in main cities for a wide range of missions.
The disclosing coincided with the opening of the brand new CityAirbus take a look at centre in Donauwörth, which will probably be devoted to testing programs for electrical vertical takeoff and touchdown automobiles (eVTOLs). The centre, which is a part of Airbus’ ongoing and long-term funding in Superior Air Mobility (AAM), started its operations with the CityAirbus NextGen’s power-on in December 2023 and will probably be now used for the remaining checks required earlier than the prototype’s maiden flight later within the yr. These checks cowl the electrical motors with their eight rotors in addition to the plane’s different programs resembling flight controls and avionics.
“Rolling out CityAirbus NextGen for the very first time is a vital and really actual step that we’re taking in the direction of superior air mobility and our future product and market. Thanks to our group, staff and companions all around the world for serving to us make this a actuality,” mentioned Balkiz Sarihan, Head of City Air Mobility at Airbus.
On the similar time, Airbus is increasing its international community and partnerships to create a novel ecosystem that may foster a profitable and viable AAM market. Airbus not too long ago signed a partnership settlement with LCI, a number one aviation firm, to give attention to the event of partnership situations and enterprise fashions in three core AAM areas: technique, commercialisation and financing.
