First VoloConnect Prototype eVTOL Takes Off Volocopter's VoloConnect prototype eVTOL has taken to the skies on its first airborne tests. The company confirmed today that the prototype aircraft made its first flight on the 20th of May, 2022. Volocopter now has prototypes of all three versions (VoloConnect, VoloCity and VoloDrone ) of its eVTOLs. VoloCommect is the 4-seat passenger variant. The initial flight on the 20th endured 2 minutes and 14 seconds of airborne time.
VoloConnect is expected to wisk its passengers at speeds up to 155 mph and at a range of up to 60 miles when it perhaps comes into service in 2026. Coming up on the testing regime will be low and high-speed maneuvers. The all important ability to transition between hover and forward cruise facets of flight. Additionally they will expand to test engine failures for both automated and autonomous flight modes. VoloCity is a 2 person version and VoloDrone is the freight-carrying variant. During testing since the 20th, the VoloConnect has achieved 40 mph in forward flight and around 28 mph in sideways flight. For more information: Volocopter GmbH www.volocopter.com ***
