11 April 2023
It looks as though the promised electric Vertical Take Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft revolution is finally about to happen with Volocopter backed by the full support of the German government.
Volocopter has opened production facilities at Bruchsal, Germany along with a new hangar for the final assembly line and flight tests.
Volocopter says it will ramp up into full operation producing its electric air taxis this month, April, with up to 50 of its two-seat VoloCity eVTOLs per year.
Volocopter holds EASA approval for the entire VoloCity production process, including the manufacture of carbon fibre parts, all aspects of the electric propulsion unit, final assembly with decking of the propulsion system and fuselage, and extensive end-of-line flight tests.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held last week and featured a crewed flight of the Volocopter 2X prototype. Guests included Germany’s Minister of Transport, Dr. Volker Wissing, and more than 70 business and political representatives.
VoloCopter’s CEO, Dirk Hoke, “aircraft that will change how humanity moves”
“Right here is where the aircraft that will change how humanity moves about cities will take off and make its way across the world,” said Dirk Hoke, Chief Executive Officer of Volocopter.
“This region is known for transforming mobility – the bicycle, the car, and soon Volocopter, too. Electric air taxis and Volocopter in particular is a technology made in Germany that will make the world a more sustainable place.”
VoloCopter’s 2X prototype in flight tests
The Transport Minister, Dr. Volker Wissing, added, “Germany is already a world leader in the development of air taxis, thanks in part to Volocopter’s great pioneering spirit. I would like to support and build on this leading role by creating a framework that enables innovation and progress.
“We are working with key industry players on a strategy for air taxi operations here in Germany, in which all technical and legal issues are addressed without delay. We are doing this so that the first drones carrying people and goods can take off very soon.”
Volocopter has developed a family of eVTOL aircraft, the VoloCity air taxi, VoloRegion for longer flights, and VoloDrone cargo lifter.
