Boeing says it has successfully completed the first test flight of its autonomous passenger air vehicle prototype in Manassas, Virginia.
Boeing NeXt, which leads the company’s urban air mobility efforts, utilized Boeing subsidiary Aurora Flight Sciences to design and develop the electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and will continue testing to advance the safety and reliability of on-demand autonomous air transportation.
The passenger air vehicle prototype completed a controlled takeoff, hover and landing during the flight, which tested the vehicle’s autonomous functions and ground control systems.
Future flights will test forward, wing-borne flight, as well as the transition phase between vertical and forward-flight modes.
This transition phase is typically the most significant engineering challenge for any high-speed vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.
Greg Hyslop, chief technology officer, Boeing, says: “In one year, we have progressed from a conceptual design to a flying prototype.
“Boeing’s expertise and innovation have been critical in developing aviation as the world’s safest and most efficient form of transportation, and we will continue to lead with a safe, innovative and responsible approach to new mobility solutions.”
Powered by an electric propulsion system, the PAV prototype is designed for fully autonomous flight from takeoff to landing, with a range of up to 50 miles (80.47 kilometers).
Measuring 30 feet (9.14 meters) long and 28 feet (8.53 meters) wide, its advanced airframe integrates the propulsion and wing systems to achieve efficient hover and forward flight.
John Langford, president and chief executive officer of Aurora Flight Sciences, says: “This is what revolution looks like, and it’s because of autonomy.
“Certifiable autonomy is going to make quiet, clean and safe urban air mobility possible.”
The test flight represents the latest milestone for Boeing NeXt. The division works with regulatory agencies and industry partners to lead the responsible introduction of a new mobility ecosystem and ensure a future where autonomous and piloted air vehicles safely coexist.
In addition to the passenger air vehicle, the Boeing NeXt portfolio includes an unmanned fully electric cargo air vehicle designed to transport up to 500 pounds (226.80 kilograms) and other urban, regional and global mobility platforms.
The cargo air vehicle completed its first indoor flight last year and will transition to outdoor flight testing in 2019.
Steve Nordlund, vice president and general manager of Boeing NeXt, says: “Boeing was there when the aviation industry was born and in our second century, we will unlock the potential of the urban air mobility market.
“From building air vehicles to airspace integration, we will usher in a future of safe, low-stress mobility in cities and regions around the world.”
Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems.
A top US exporter, the company supports airlines and US and allied government customers in more than 150 countries.
Boeing products and tailored services include commercial and military aircraft, satellites, weapons, electronic and defense systems, launch systems, advanced information and communication systems, and performance-based logistics and training.boeing
