CityAirbus NextGen prototype makes first flight
November 6, 2024
After making its first ‘power-on’ in December 2023 and undergoing various other preliminary tests – including assessments of its flight controls and avionics – the CityAirbus NexGen prototype has left the ground for the first time, described as Airbus Helicopters as “another important step for Advanced Air Mobility at Airbus”. The hover was conducted at Airbus’ new dedicated CityAirbus test centre, also publicly inaugurated in March 2024.
Charles Louis, engineering leader for composite dynamic components at Airbus Helicopters, had previously described the project as “hugely motivating, with major implications in terms of innovation and carbon footprint reduction”.
The fixed-wing, ‘lift-and-cruise’ configured eVTOL features eight sets of propellers; two mounted on the leading edge of the wings, four across the trailing edge, and a further two ‘pusher’ propellers affixed to the V-shaped tail boom. The craft weighs approximately two tonnes and has a wing span of approximately 12 metres.
With an estimated operational range of 80km and a cruise speed of 120 km/hr, “CityAirbus NextGen will be suitable for a variety of flight operations, such as medical use cases, shuttle services and eco-tourism,” explains its manufacturers.
European helicopter operator Avincis is one company to have recognised the potential of the CityAirbus NextGen, signing a MoU to partner with Airbus on the development of AAM back in June 2024. Working to “define the concept of operations for eVTOLs in Europe and beyond,” Avnicis CEO John Boag added: “As we look to the future of emergency air services and the platforms that will support our missions for generations to come, eVTOLs will play an important role in our long-term fleet strategy”. Avincis’ global fleet currently includes around 60 Airbus aircraft.
Aviation lessor LCI has also announced a collaborative strategy to “focus on the development of partnership scenarios and business models in three core AAM areas: strategy, commercialisation and financing”. In April 2022, ITA Airways became the first airline to express an interest in the aircraft, signing an MoU “with the common goal of working in synergy to promote and develop an AAM ecosystem in Italy”.
