MANASSAS, Va., Jan. 23, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing
[NYSE: BA] yesterday successfully completed the first test flight
of its autonomous passenger air vehicle (PAV) 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 (eVTOL) aircraft and will
continue testing to advance the safety and reliability of on-demand
autonomous air transportation.
The PAV 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 VTOL aircraft.
"In one year, we have progressed from a conceptual design to a
flying prototype," said Boeing Chief Technology Officer
Greg Hyslop. "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.
"This is what revolution looks like, and it's because of
autonomy," said John Langford,
president and chief executive officer of Aurora Flight Sciences.
"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 PAV, the Boeing NeXt portfolio
includes an unmanned fully electric cargo air vehicle (CAV)
designed to transport up to 500 pounds (226.80 kilograms) and other
urban, regional and global mobility platforms. The CAV completed
its first indoor flight last year and will transition to outdoor
flight testing in 2019.
"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," said Steve
Nordlund, vice president and general manager of Boeing NeXt.
"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 U.S. exporter, the company supports
airlines and U.S. 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.
Contact
Megan
Hilfer
Boeing Communications
+1 425-237-9375
megan.e.hilfer@boeing.com
Luisa Guerra
Aurora Flight Sciences
+1 571-719-7176
guerra.luisa@aurora.aero
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SOURCE Boeing