Startup Lyte Aviation Unveils LA-44 SkyBus Hybrid eVTOL Earlier this week a new company made an announcement that it was bringing a new type of eVTOL to the market. The announcement was from a European (UK) startup called Lyte Aviation. They have launched schematics of what would be their Hybrid eVTOL LA-44 Skybus. The company plans to start-off hybrid perhaps as it may be an easier path to certification and then eventually they would make the transition to all hydrogen-based propulsion. It will come in the form of a passenger aircraft as well as a cargo variant. The Cargo variant, the SkyTruck, will likely be first to the market. It is envisioned to have an underslung load capability for roles such as firefighting and humanitarian missions. Up to a 9,900 lbs payload and 17 tonnes gross weight are preliminary figures.
Within the next 24 months Lyte Aviation expects to have a full-size test prototype available for testing but the company doesn't expect this to come to market commercially before 2030. The plans were unveiled at the Helicopter Investor Conference on March 23rd. Schematics showcase a tandem tilt-wing design that would be using existing turboprop engines with a rating between 3,500 and 5,000 shp. Preliminary targets of a range of 625 nautical miles and a speed of up to 187 miles per hour while carrying up to 40 passenger in the cabin have been laid out. Initially the engines will be running on jet-A and/or sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Lyte Aviation founder and CEO Freshta Farzam said, "Conventional, highly reliable turboprops are the best option for our aircraft program for the time being, with the aim to operate and refuel practically anywhere with the current infrastructure. With the constant evolution and expected investment in global infrastructure including vertiports and energy sources including SAF and green hydrogen and electric powerplants, the ambition would be to become fully hydrogen-electric in the future." JF will keep an eye on the future development of this new program and keep you informed. For more information: Lyte Aviation www.lyteaviation.com ***
