7 March 2025
The Skyfly Axe electric powered aircraft has completed its first piloted fixed-wing flights.
Flights included circuits and stall testing, with the Axe operating at heights of over 2,500ft and flying for up to 17 minutes at a time. The aircraft was found to be stable and controllable in all flight conditions, with benign stall characteristics, said the British company.
Michael Thompson, CEO, Skyfly, said, “During our latest test flights, The Axe performed beyond expectations in forward flight, showcasing exceptional efficiency, stability and stall-handling characteristics. Its intuitive design ensures that even inexperienced pilots can fly it with ease.
“Most importantly, these outstanding flight qualities mean that transition tests, to and from the hover, can now happen much faster than anticipated — without the need for any modifications or design changes.
Skyfly Axe lines up for a flight test
“This has all been possible thanks to our incredible team who have put in hours of hard work.
“A special mention has to go to Dr William Brooks, our CTO and Chief Designer and Test Pilot who has designed a truly amazing aircraft – this is a testament to his 40+ years in designing, building and testing aircraft.”
In the forward flight mode, the Axe – known as a Vertically Capable Aircraft (VCA) – operates like a normal fixed-wing aeroplane, cruising at speeds of 100mph with minimal energy consumption. It can also perform energy-efficient conventional take-offs and landings on a runway.
When no runway is available, the Axe can transition to a nose-high attitude and enter rotor-borne flight, allowing it to hover much like a helicopter, and take-off or land vertically.
The Axe’s first test flights were conducted exclusively in hover mode, with testing completed in late 2024.
The next phase of flight testing will see the Axe demonstrate airborne transitions between the forward flight and hover modes.
