eHang and Volocopter are growing wings on their eVTOL (electric Vertical Take Off and Landing) craft. It’s a demonstrable fact that fixed wing aircraft usually have great range and endurance than rotary wing aircraft. What if we combine the best of multicopter utility and fixed wing range? Electric multicopters are usually short-range vehicles that have a possible future in urban skies (although Joby has demonstrated over 150 mile flights). The requirement that they lift off from buildings or constrained areas contributes to their short range. Hauling all those batteries and passengers is a near-full power exercise every time, with reserve power enabling climbs to low-altitude city crossings. Proposed longer-range sky taxis from two makers are sprouting wings. eHang and Volocopter both have new craft that will allow greater speed and range. eHang eHang has succeeded in flying everyone from its board of directors to thousands of willing participants in very public fashion. This shows a willingness to display its technology …
