In a major achievement for the Japanese electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) industry, Japan-based SkyDrive Inc. announced on February 10, 2025, that the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) had issued a G-1 certification basis for its flagship eVTOL aircraft. This pivotal achievement represents a crucial step in SkyDrive's journey toward full aircraft certification and commercial operations, positioning the company at the forefront of Japan's emerging urban air mobility sector.
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Chinese startup Fengfei, known as AutoFlight in the West, has secured a production certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for its V2000CG Carry-All autonomous cargo aircraft. This certification, awarded on December 24, 2024, marks the world’s first production approval for an eVTOL exceeding 1,000 kg (2,205 lbs), with the aircraft’s gross weight capped at 2,000 kg (4,400 lbs). With this certification, AutoFlight is set to accelerate mass production, secure individual aircraft certifications, and enhance deliveries and after-sales services, further advancing its position in the eVTOL industry.
The Moller Skycar, the brainchild of Canadian inventor Paul Moller, is a testament to the enduring dream of personal flight. It represents one of the earliest and most ambitious attempts to create a personal flying vehicle with vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities. Conceived in the 1960s, the Skycar's journey is a fascinating tale of innovation, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of a dream that paved the way for modern electric VTOL (eVTOL) aircraft despite its ultimate commercial failure.
Joby Aviation has achieved a significant milestone in the eVTOL aircraft market by flying its hydrogen-electric air taxi demonstrator, the S4, for 523 miles. This feat showcases the potential of hydrogen propulsion to extend the range and capabilities of urban air mobility solutions into regional travel. This breakthrough, supported by the U.S. Air Force's Agility Prime program, underscores the growing trend towards hydrogen-electric systems, which promise zero-emission, long-range flight options and could revolutionize the aviation industry.
Archer Aviation, a leading electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developer, has unveiled ambitious plans to create an air mobility network in the San Francisco Bay Area. This network aims to transform regional transportation by connecting five key locations: South San Francisco, Napa, San Jose, Oakland, and Livermore.