California-based aircraft company Overair has completed its first full-scale prototype of its “Butterfly” electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle.
The company made the announcement on Tuesday and is expected to begin testing the craft next year.
“Initial tests, scheduled to begin in early 2024, will focus on validating Butterfly’s propulsion systems, flight control mechanics, safety features, and operational efficiency. The testing will also assess the aircraft’s 55-decibel noise target and performance envelope across diverse flight and weather conditions,” according to a press release.
Overair claims that this new eVTOL craft is the “world’s most advanced” form of aviation transportation.
“Assembling our first full-scale prototype vehicle marks the culmination of years of industry expertise, meticulous development planning, innovative engineering, and the hard work of the entire Overair team,” said Ben Tigner, CEO of Overair. “This seamless transition from propulsion testing to a full-scale prototype underscores our dedication to redefining the eVTOL landscape with safer, quieter, and more reliable aircraft.”
Officials claim that this craft is “perfectly suited” for passenger, cargo medical, and even military uses.
“Since day one, Overair has been committed to developing an aircraft that extends efficient air transportation to a broader audience; an aircraft that will be welcomed by local communities, passengers, and operators alike,” said Valerie Manning, chief commercial officer of Overair. “Our prototype is where we begin real-world, full-scale validation of these fundamental design principles.”
Overair has long been preparing to use this new craft to improve the mobility of people in urban areas.
The company recently entered a partnership with the City of Arlington to bring eVTOL operations to the city using the Butterfly model, as previously reported by The Dallas Express. The partnership is the “first-ever direct partnership” between a Texas city and an eVTOL company to develop vertiports while adding charging infrastructure and even rideshare capabilities.
