Airbus CityAirbus
| Company type | Prototype aircraft project |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace, Urban air mobility |
| Founded | 2015 |
| Founder | Airbus Helicopters |
| Headquarters | Donauwörth , Germany |
| Products | Electric VTOL personal air vehicle prototype |
The Airbus CityAirbus represents an international collaboration led by Airbus Helicopters to create an electrically driven VTOL personal air vehicle prototype targeting the air taxi sector, with the goal of alleviating urban traffic congestion.
Development
CityAirbus is an extension of Airbus's Urban Air Mobility programs, including projects like Skyways, the single-seat A³ Vahana VTOL, and the helicopter reservation platform A³ Voom.
A feasibility assessment conducted in 2015 demonstrated achievable operating expenses alongside adherence to safety standards. By October 2017, comprehensive testing of the ducted propeller propulsion system was finalized. The program aims for certification and market introduction by 2023.
In December 2017, the "iron bird" systems test model was activated in Taufkirchen, Germany, confirming propulsion functionality, flight control systems, and thermal management prior to its integration into the flight demonstrator planned for mid-2018.
Components were manufactured by Airbus Helicopters, leading to the initial uncrewed flight on 3 May 2019. Crewed flight trials were scheduled for later that year. On 31 August 2020, the demonstrator was transferred from Donauwörth to Manching near Ingolstadt, Bavaria.
Following more than 240 flights collectively logged with Vahana and CityAirbus prototypes covering over , Airbus unveiled an updated CityAirbus version in September 2021. This iteration incorporates a fixed wing, a V-tail configuration, and eight electric propellers without any moving or tilting mechanisms. It is designed to transport four passengers up to at an altitude of , while maintaining noise emissions below 65 dB(A) during overflight and under 70 dB(A) upon landing. The maiden flight is anticipated in 2023 with certification projected around 2025. By mid-2025, one test flight had been conducted.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is formulating a dedicated special condition VTOL (SC VTOL) certification approach for eVTOL aircraft based on new Eurocae standards. Flight control systems for the CityAirbus NextGen are being developed through collaborations with Diehl Aviation and Thales.
Design
This multirotor vehicle is engineered to accommodate four passengers initially operated by a pilot and eventually transitioning to autonomous operation as regulations evolve. Development occurs in Donauwörth while electrical propulsion components are produced in Ottobrunn/Munich. Four ducted fan units enhance safety and minimize noise output. The propulsion system consists of eight propellers powered by eight Siemens SP200D direct-drive electric motors; these fixed-pitch propellers are managed via RPM control. The aircraft’s four electric batteries, collectively weighing 500 kg and delivering a total power output quadruple of , support a cruising speed of on predefined routes with a flight endurance of approximately 15 minutes.
Related Topics
- Aircraft list
- Air taxi service
- Airbus A³ Vahana project
- Boeing Passenger Air Vehicle
- Urban aerial mobility