ZEVA, another company seeking to enter the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft market, announced that the first controlled flight test was a success.
The test was conducted with engine and without tethering, of the full-scale ZEVA ZERO, using its 8 propellers with an electric motor.
The Tacoma-based startup’s major milestone was captured in the following video, recorded in rural Pierce County, Washington, on January 9, as part of its FAA airworthiness certification testing program.
As reported by our partner Aeroin, the unmanned ZEVA demonstrator aircraft performed 4 tests totaling more than 4 minutes of controlled hovering, simulated low-speed taxi maneuvers, and limited vertical climb maneuvers.
Its compact structure is developed for a single pilot and is small enough to fit in a standard parking lot. The vehicle is designed to achieve a cruising speed of up to 257 km/h and a range of up to 80 km.
“This is an important turning point for ZEVA as we join a unique set of proven eVTOL platforms and a testament to the tireless work of our entire team over the past 2.5 years,” said Stephen Tibbitts, CEO, and President of ZEVA.
“We are discerning our learnings from our first critical rolling flight, which is a direct result of the support we received from our investors and the community, which led us to bring in more talent to lead this historic moment. We look forward to continuing with the next phase of hovering flight testing on our path to certification and eventual autonomous flight, enabling anyone, not just pilots, to access point-to-point zero-emission journeys,” he completed.
ZEVA unveiled the ZEVA ZERO at the Dubai Air Show in November 2021 and received a grant from the Washington Joint Center for Aerospace Technology Innovation (JCATI) to work with Washington State University on the aerodynamic configurations of the ZEVA Aero to optimize the vehicle’s thrust and controls. ZEVA also collaborated with NASA as part of its Urban Air Mobility Grand Challenge.
“The ZEVA team did an incredible job with the design and manufacturing of this aircraft, which was evidenced by this exceptionally smooth and successful first flight,” said Gus Meyer, test pilot controlling the ZERO via a remote control link.
“This achievement is also a testament to the extraordinary talent and experience of the team, and the supporting partnerships that helped make it happen” completed Gus.
ZEVA will continue with hover testing and then move on to transition testing in the spring to fine-tune the position of the unique Superman-like aircraft design as described.
The design, which already has a pending patent, is expected to be available to consumers for a $5,000 deposit starting in the spring of this year, with a final price for the first production units estimated at less than $250,000.
