Big companies are starting to take notice. Well maybe they’ve noticed for awhile but they can no longer sit on the sidelines. Companies like Airbus and Textron are working on their own programs, diving headfirst into the future of air mobility, where emission-free and efficient flying machines are the stars of the show.
Textron's has its very own eAviation subsidiary, located in Wichita, Kansas. The startup is a blend of the Slovenian light sport aircraft expert Pipistrel (snagged by Textron last year) and the high-flying Nexus program, their eVTOL brainchild.
So what is so special about Textron's plan? With their diverse expertise, they're basically almost seasoned pros in this new world of eAircraft. Remember CES 2019? That's where Textron's Bell helicopter division dropped jaws with an electric air taxi concept – a six-duct air vehicle that’s since slimmed down to a sleek four-duct design.
Bell was showing off a new concept that was way ahead of its time. Basically turning a tedious 45-minute drive into an easy and sleazy 10-minute flight. On top of that, the Nexus can switch from full battery-electric mode to hybrid-electric for that extra mileage.
In 2021, the Nexus 4EX Air Taxi had its 15 minutes of fame at the Smithsonian’s new Arts and Industries building, part of the FUTURES exhibition. Sadly I missed it, but here’s a pic:
This year they're playing around with a 23% scale model in wind tunnel tests to fine-tune the rotors, checking their efficiency at every angle and power level. Ensuring everything from tail size to aerodynamic drag and engine power is spot on. The endgame? Getting the Nexus up to certification standards. (it just can’t get off the ground without certification)
Textron has been constantly tweaking and perfecting the Nexus. It's kind of a beast; with a wingspan of 50 feet (15.2 meters) and tips the scales at a hefty 8,000 lbs (3,630 kg). Performance-wise, it has a range jump from 60 to 100 nautical miles (185 km) and a top speed of 120 knots (138 mph/222 kph). Word on the street is that the Nexus eVTOL might start gracing our skies by the end of next year or 2025 at the latest.
Unfortunately, the new Nexus isn’t quite as futuristic as the old ‘big fan’ version, check it out below. Looking more like a Joby. Still, progress. So be excited about that.
So, while the startup scene is buzzing with eVTOL dreams, Textron's (ie; the old dogs) showing that the old boys can still teach us a thing or two about air mobility.
Check their web for more infos: https://discovernexus.com/