Airbus has unveiled its new CityAirbus NextGen electric Vertical Take Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft at the first Airbus Summit.
The futuristic eVTOL is now in its Detailed Design Phase, with the maiden flight of the first prototype slated for 2023, with certification planned around 2025.
Airbus has targeted the emerging Urban Air Mobility (UAM) market with the CityAirbus NextGen, which can carry up to four passengers, have a range of 80km and cruise speed of 120 km/h.
Airbus is bringing its extensive expertise in noise-friendly designs to bear with CityAirbus NextGen, which will generate sound levels below 65 dB(A) during fly-over and below 70 dB(A) during landing.
Bruno Even, CEO, Airbus Helicopters, said, 'We are on a quest to co-create an entirely new market that sustainably integrates urban air mobility into the cities while addressing environmental and social concerns.'
The UAM sector will need to address challenges related to urban integration, public acceptance, and automated air traffic management regarding vehicle technology and business models, he added.