Electric Aircraft

Electric mobility is conquering the third dimension. BMW Group will present the first electric drive system for a wingsuit with which the centuries-old dream of flying can be realised in a completely novel way.

Aerial surveys of penguin colonies have been conducted before, usually with helicopters or a single drone. The helicopter method produces great image quality but is expensive, fuel-inefficient and risks disturbing the birds. The single drone survey is time-consuming and - because the drones must be launched from a safe distance, about five kilometers from the colony - difficult to navigate.

Have you ever seen a flying car passing you on the highway? The PAL-V Liberty has been approved for road usage and can now be spotted on the European roads. With this approval, PAL-V is another step closer to deliveries.

There are over 2.5 million movements of medical supplies, samples and other items between hospitals and medical centres annually in the UK, with the majority of movements being undertaken by commissioned couriers on the country's road network.

The Boeing Loyal Wingman aircraft being developed with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) recently moved under its own power for the first time, a key milestone for the aircraft that's expected to make its first flight this year.

ZeroAvia has completed the world first hydrogen fuel cell powered flight of a commercial-grade aircraft. ZeroAvia's achievement is the first step to realising the transformational possibilities of moving from fossil fuels to zero-emission hydrogen as the primary energy source for commercial aviation.

Rolls-Royce has completed testing of the ground-breaking technology that will power the world's fastest all-electric plane. All the technology has been tested on a full-scale replica of the plane's core, called an 'ionBird', including a 500hp electric powertrain powerful enough to set world speed records and a battery with enough energy to supply 250 homes.

Vertical Aerospace has revealed the VA-1X flying taxi, designed to be a high performing aircraft able to connect entire regions as well as carrying out shorter missions across single cities. VA-1X is set to be the world's first certified winged all-electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft, and is on course to start commercial flights in 2024. Build will begin shortly, with manufacturing taking place in the UK.

NASA is developing an electrically powered X-57 plane. Just as electric cars are becoming more and more commonplace on our roads each day, aerospace engineers are seeking to make electric air transportation a reality.