Make Room in the Garage: AIR ONE Personal eVTOL Successfully Completes Hover Test

AIR’s Personal Transport eVTOL Aircraft Completes First Hover Test

by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian M. Crosby

On June 21st, consumer eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft creator AIR successfully completed the first hover test of its AIR ONE aircraft following the acquisition of its airworthiness certificate.

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The test saw a full-scale AIR ONE prototype take flight in Megiddo, Israel, where it completed multiple hovers over the course of the day and the subsequent two weeks. The aircraft operated as intended, safely lifting off, hovering in place, and returning to the ground. Additionally, AIR ONE’s energy use proved its ability to meet expected performance metrics. The company intends to expand to full flight envelope testing throughout 2022.

Unlike the air taxis that make up much of the developing advanced air mobility (AAM) market, AIR’s personal transportation aircraft provides eVTOL flight for individual consumers. The all-electric AIR ONE is able to take off and land on any flat surface while carrying a 250kg payload, and features a practical range on a single charge at speeds reaching 155 mph. A compact two-seater, AIR ONE is able to be stored in most garages and driveways.

“It was truly awe-inspiring to watch AIR ONE lift off the ground for the first time. We’ve been on this upward journey for nearly five years and cannot wait for the public to join us on this ride,” said AIR CEO and Co-founder Rani Plaut. “This momentous milestone secures AIR’s spot as a market leader in the personal air mobility space, making the thrill of flight achievable on a daily basis. We look forward to continued growth as we launch into the next phase of development.”

The company is currently pursuing further strategic partnerships, both within the US and globally, in order to advance the development of infrastructure and policy related to the growing AAM space. AIR also continues to collaborate with the FAA to complete vehicle certification and establish guidelines for eVTOL pilot licensing.

In the time since AIR went public roughly a year ago, the company has successfully conducted drop testing, multiple propulsion tests, and a series of electronic and stability tests prior to AIR ONE’s first takeoff. Most recently, AIR also announced partnerships with air mobility companies FlyOnE, Espère AAM, and AeroAuto for the development of one of the country’s first showrooms for electric aircraft, as well as showcased the full-scale AIR ONE prototype at this year’s Kentucky Derby. Soon, AIR will also be holding an exhibit at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022, from July 25-31, at booth #92.

Read more about AIR and urban air mobility vehicles:

• Personal eVTOL: AIR ONE Prototype Showcased at Kentucky Derby
• Airbus Develops CityAirbus Next Gen, eVTOL with Munich Airport International Partnership
• VoloConnect First Flight: Volocopter eVTOL Travels Further and Faster
• Joby Aviation Gets Part 135 Carrier Certificate: Company Plans eVTOL Service for 2024

Ian attended Dominican University of California, where he received a BA in English in 2019. With a lifelong passion for writing and storytelling and a keen interest in technology, he is now contributing to DroneLife as a staff writer.