FlyNow Aviation has ushered in a new era of urban air mobility with the successful untethered test flight of its full-scale eCopter prototype in Eastern Austria. The company, founded in 2019, is developing a coaxial dual-rotor electric helicopter designed for sustainability, efficiency, and urban utility. Unlike the increasingly familiar multi-rotor eVTOLs in the air taxi sector, FlyNow’s eCopter takes inspiration from traditional helicopter designs and features unique technological advances in propulsion and modularity. This new vehicle, available in cargo, single-seater, and two-seater configurations, promises to deliver clean, quiet, and affordable short-range flights, with a top speed of 130 km/h (80 mph) and a per-charge range of 50 kilometers (30+ miles).
The untethered flight marks a critical milestone for FlyNow, following years of iterative testing at Salzburg Airport and other facilities. These trials provided the foundation for the eCopter's refined stability, safety mechanisms, and optimized propulsion systems. With regulatory certifications already underway, including the European SAIL II approval in 2022, the company now eyes commercial cargo operations by 2027. This timeline includes rigorous testing to validate one million kilometers of cargo hauling before transitioning to passenger services. FlyNow's COO, Yvonne Winter, called this achievement "visible proof that our vision works," emphasizing the importance of advancing modular platforms to meet the growing demand for urban air mobility.
The eCopter also stands out for its emphasis on low environmental and acoustic impact, with an operational noise level of just 55 dB(A) at 150 meters—comparable to a household dishwasher. Powered by energy-efficient systems consuming approximately 30 kWh per 100 kilometers, the aircraft showcases the potential for greener aviation solutions. Beyond technological innovation, FlyNow is working to address concerns over airspace congestion, operational safety, and scalability as they prepare for a future where cargo and passengers alike will benefit from this next-generation urban transportation solution. With advancements in sustainable aviation technology still progressing, FlyNow’s eCopter represents a bold step toward realizing a cleaner, quieter future for urban flight.
📷: FLYNOW AVIATION
