Hybrid, safe and practically noiseless: These are the attributes of an innovative small aircraft, dubbed Silent Air Taxi, e.SAT GmbH, a company based in Aachen, Germany, plans to bring to the market.
The new air taxi, which is capable of carrying five passengers, was presented to the public for the first time last week. On June 17, the project has reached the next milestone: On the first day of this year’s International Paris Air Show, e.SAT GmbH and MTU Aero Engines signed a letter of intent (LoI). The parties agreed that the German engine manufacturer will take a stake in the development and production of the unique hybrid-electric powertrain for the new aircraft and acquire shares in the recently founded company in the amount of €10 million.
“The Silent Air Taxi is a very ambitious endeavor and a promising concept for the future. The prospects are good for the project to become a reality,” said MTU’s Chief Operating Officer Lars Wagner. “It perfectly fits into our technology initiative on alternative propulsion systems. This is why we not only contribute our expertise but also take a financial stake in the company.“ Responsibility for the development of the hybrid-electric powerplant rests with e.SAT Powertrain GmbH, a subsidiary of e.SAT GmbH.
