The demonstration flight of the single-seater eVTOL 'HEXA', the first of its kind in Japan, was successfully conducted, demonstrating stable flight and low noise levels.
In the United States, eVTOLs are already being operated for civilian use, and in Japan, demonstration and verification are underway in collaboration with Marubeni Aerospace.
It is expected that if eVTOL technology becomes commercially available in the future, it will be utilized as urban air mobility, positively impacting the transportation and logistics sectors.
Tokyo recently saw the first-ever flight of a single-seater eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft) named 'HEXA' as part of the SusHi Tech Tokyo 2024 showcase program. This is a product of LIFT AIRCRAFT, a startup founded in Texas in 2017. It features a compact design with a length of approximately 4.5 meters, a height of about 2.4 meters, and a weight of roughly 196 kg. It has a maximum payload capacity of 113 kg, a top speed of around 100 km/h, and a convenient control system that allows for easy takeoff, landing, turning, and altitude adjustment using a 3-axis joystick.
During this demonstration flight, HEXA successfully took off near Tokyo Big Sight, changed altitude and direction, and even accomplished a water landing. The noise level during flight was low, similar to that of a drone, and the aircraft demonstrated very stable flight performance. This showcased the significant advancements in eVTOL technology over recent years.
Currently, in the United States, HEXA is undergoing aircraft certification with the support of the US Air Force following unmanned/manned flight demonstration tests. Commercial tours are already available, offering brief introductory training and approximately 30 minutes of hands-on experience. In Japan, Marubeni Aerospace and LIFT AIRCRAFT are collaborating to conduct demonstration tests and verification aligned with Japanese environmental regulations and laws.
If eVTOL technology is commercialized in the future, it is expected to be utilized in various fields, including the realization of urban air mobility, reducing traffic congestion, and shortening logistics transportation times. While challenges remain in terms of cost, safety, and noise regulations, further technological advancements are anticipated to lead to eVTOLs establishing themselves as a future mode of transportation.