SAMAD Aerospace has completed hover tests for its second prototype eVTOL eStarling aircraft. Designed for intercity transport, the eStarling aircraft will combine a helicopter's vertical ability to take off and land from almost anywhere, with the speed and range of a business jet. The aircraft has a semi-blended wing body (BWB) design and will be powered by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
With a cruising speed of 300 MPH and a range of 800 miles, the eStarling will transport passengers ‘helipad-helipad' avoiding the need to travel to and from airports.
Previous testing has developed conventional take-off and landing of the prototype. Recent tethered hover tests followed by full hover tests demonstrated a very agile and stable prototype with hovering and helicopter moves.
This month's hover tests were performed over a crane system, and they focused on the validation of the flight control system in hovering mode. The aircraft consumed 65% of the available power to take off and hover with a healthy power surplus for adverse weather conditions.
