FlyNow Aviation’s eCopter successfully performed its first free flight, approaching its actual use as a means of urban aerial transportation. These tests were conducted in a safe environment in Austria, and confirmed that the eCopter can fly autonomously and stably without the need to be connected.
A new scenario after the free flight of the eCopter
Since its inception in 2019, FlyNow has maintained a clear vision: to develop modular, efficient and sustainable, efficient and sustainable, capable of operating safely in densely populated cities.
After years of validations with captive flights at Salzburg Airport, the airline has initiated free flights in order to collect operational data under real-world conditions and prepare its platform for more demanding certification.
Efficiency-oriented technology
Recent flights of the eCopter have not only demonstrated stability and autonomous control, but also evidenced the low acoustic impact of the system: 55 dB(A) at 150 meters altitude, similar to the noise of a household appliance.
Energy efficiency translates into a consumption of 30 kWh per 100 km driven, placing FlyNow in a highly competitive category compared to other proposals in the market.
On the road to commercial operation
The cargo version of the eCopter is already aiming for SAIL IV certification. SAIL IV certificationcertification, enabling its use for logistic transport. This evolution will allow it to carry up to 200 kg, including standard Europallets. FlyNow’s plan is to reach one million kilometers traveled in cargo mode and then open the way to passenger operations, projected for 2027.
FlyNow’s technical breakthrough is part of a broader approach led by the alliance SALAAM.earthalliance, formed with Skyroads and other international partners. This coalition promotes the automation of air transport through a cyber-mechanical architecture that fuses secure systems with artificial intelligence, laying the foundation for a sustainable and scalable urban air infrastructure.
With a modular design that simplifies production and reduces costs up to tenfold compared to other solutions, the eCopter seeks to position itself as an affordable service. The ultimate goal is for an urban flight to be comparable in cost to a cab ride.
Source and photo: FlyNow
