Pivotal Helix Becomes Fire Department Volunteer

Dean Sigler Announcements, Autonomous Aircraft, Batteries, Electric Powerplants, Sustainable Aviation Leave a Comment

The Pivotal Helix eVTOL (electric Vertical Take Off and Landing) Aircraft “Gains Warm Response from California Fire Agencies in Multi-Agency Demonstration Series.”  That’s the headline for a Pivotal press release on its recent demonstration for three southern California fire departments.  Seeming to be almost a response to Dr. Brien Seeley’s recent front-page opinion section editorial in the San Francisco Chronicle, Pivotal’s live show helped emergency responders see how rapid aerial response could aid their missions.

 

Dropping in on stations at the San Bernardino County Fire Department, Southern Marin Fire District (SMFD), and Cosumnes Fire Department, Pivotal personnel gave flight demonstrations and let firefighters try their hand at simulator flying.
As Pivotal’s press release notes, “Each demo showcased the potential of Pivotal’s single-seat aircraft to dramatically improve emergency response capabilities, especially in locations where time, terrain and traffic can mean the difference between life and death.”

Ken Karklin, CEO of Pivotal, added, “Our aircraft offers a cost-effective, rapidly deployable solution that can extend the capabilities of first responders. We’re committed to working with fire and EMS agencies to deliver practical, life-saving solutions where speed and access matter most.”

SMFD personnel enjoy flying the Helix simulator

The $190,000 craft (base price) makes a practical and economic alternative to helicopters, but there is concern about its endurance, range, and weight limits.

The single-seat configuration requires the pilot and emergency services worker to be the same person, and the numbers don’t add up for large amounts of equipment to be brought along.  An empty weight of 348 pounds (158 kilograms) and maximum takeoff weight of 568 pounds (258 kilograms), allows for a light pilot and limited equipment (a portable defibrillator and small first-aid pack, for instance) to be carried.

Cruising at 63 mph and with a range of 20 miles (32 kilometers), Helix could be on scene at a traffic accident or the beginnings of a wildfire quickly.  Its eight Halbach-electric motors powered by eight independent battery packs ensure the machine will reach the emergency, even in remote areas or on the I-5, as described by Helix demonstration pilot Tim Lum.  Producing only 72 dBa 150 feet over the terrain, a Helix will pass over freeway traffic unnoticed, and probably not jar the sensibilities of wildlife.

Perhaps more efficient batteries will add to the range of the vehicke, and a once-investigated two-seat version would enable greater versatility.  As it is, Helix is a potential tool that could enhance emergency services in a wide range of applications.

A Soothing Flight Over Joshua Tree National Park

Pivotal has released a beautiful video of two Helices floating over a quietly desolate landscape.  Visually and musically, it’s worth seeing and hearing.  It does show the remarkable ability of the Helix to  enter rugged terrain. fearlessly.

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