The CityAirbus NextGen represents a leap forward in the pursuit of advanced urban mobility, designed to meet the growing demand for efficient and sustainable transportation options in densely populated cities. This cutting-edge prototype by Airbus is an all-electric, four-seat vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle, meticulously engineered to execute a range of flight operations across urban environments. With a promise of an 80-km range and a cruising speed of 120 km/h, the CityAirbus NextGen is not only a testament to Airbus's innovative capabilities but also a potential game-changer in how we envision future urban transport. It is designed with a distinctive feature set including fixed wings, a V-shaped tail, and eight electrically powered propellers that enable both enhanced maneuverability and operational efficiency.
The conception of this next-generation air mobility solution stretches back to the extensive aerial innovation ethos at Airbus, supported by the historic successes of their electric VTOL demonstrators, CityAirbus and Vahana. Building on these predecessors, the CityAirbus NextGen benefits from numerous technological advancements, particularly in sound engineering, allowing it to operate quietly within cityscapes without contributing to noise pollution. This makes it an ideal candidate for integrating into existing transportation networks without disrupting the urban fabric. Airbus has leveraged its deep industry experience to refine the design and functionalities of this prototype, emphasizing safety, reliability, and community-friendly operational capabilities.
Looking forward, Airbus envisions the CityAirbus NextGen as a cornerstone of urban air mobility (UAM). It embodies the company’s commitment to decarbonization, aligning with broader environmental goals by relying on electric propulsion. In collaboration with various partners, including operators and regulators, Airbus is diligently working to ensure that the CityAirbus NextGen meets stringent safety and performance standards before it transitions from piloted operations to potentially autonomous services. As urban populations continue to expand, the introduction of solutions like CityAirbus NextGen could provide critical answers to the challenges of modern city commuting, paving the way for a more connected and sustainable world.
📷: AIRBUS
