Air One eVTOL headed for Airforce duty
Deal inked between Israeli startup Air and USAF
One of my all time favorites, the AIR ONE is making headways into the MIC (Military Industrial Complex)
The slick eVTOL that I’ve written about in the past (not too distant past) is a two-seat banger with a huge 110-mile range on a single charge and reaches speeds up to 155 mph. Gorgeous retro sci-fi cockpit, akin to a miniature jet. It's sleek, it's futuristic, and yes, it can fold its wings for easy parking. I want one. Badly.
Alright, now let's address the elephant in the room: why does landing gear always seem like an afterthought on these vehicles? After four years of development and testing, the AIR team has focused on performance and aerodynamics, but the wheels seem to have missed the memo. I’ll let it slide for now since the rest is amazing.
The AIR ONE's 'fly by intent' system is a standout feature. It simplifies flight control to the point where even those with limited flying experience can handle it (that would be me) - though a pilot's license is still probably a good idea. This is coupled with an AI-powered surveillance system that performs routine checks, optimum safety and reducing the need for user checklists (but still a good idea to have them!).
What about the bigger picture? AIR is currently in discussions with the FAA for G1 certification. This is a crucial step towards making this dream a reality for the average person.
And the headliner here is that the U.S. Air Force has also shown interest, partnering with Air for advanced air mobility projects. They want to test the Air One electric aerial vehicle for logistics missions, which could potentially improve transport and delivery services. The Air Force really digs the lower operations and maintenance costs due to the vehicle's mechanical simplicity.
The Air One prototype has already proven its worth in numerous full-weight flight tests. It can take off and land on any flat surface, carry a 550-pound payload, and travel at speeds up to 155 mph.
With more than 800 preorders and deliveries lined up post-FAA certification, the Air One is just on the horizon for us. As Rani Plaut, CEO and co-founder of Air, says, the Air One represents the freedom of flight for everyday consumers, supported by prestigious programs like the U.S. Air Force's Agility Prime.
To sum it all up - this is a vehicle ordinary citizens and the military wants, and I’m just waiting to become rich so I can get one. I’ll have to wait - the Pre-orders are currently sold out, but you can sign up on the waiting list here: https://www.airev.aero/pre-order