The CityAirbus NextGen prototype eVTOL aircraft has performed its first liftoff, marking the official start of the type’s flight test campaign.
The news was announced by Bruno Even, the CEO of Airbus Helicopters, on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Nov. 6.
“I’m happy to share that the #CityAirbus NextGen flight test campaign in Donauwörth, Germany, has started with a first lift-off,” Even wrote. “A big thank you to all our teams who have contributed to this important step in the marathon that is Advanced Air Mobility.”
The first phase of the flight test campaign is due to take place in a 10,700-square foot CityAirbus test center in Donauworth, which opened earlier this year.
CityAirbus NextGen has a wing span of about 40 feet (12 meters) and is powered by eight propellers and 16 electrical power units, with dual systems for redundancy. When in operation, it will carry one pilot with three passengers in a banked seat at the rear of the cabin.
Airbus is developing the aircraft to fly with a range of 50 miles (80 kilometers) and reach a cruise speed of 75 mph (120 km/h) — capabilities the manufacturer said will make it well suited for a variety of operations in major cities.
