WICHITA, Kan. - Textron Inc.'s eAviation unit is making strides towards bringing its all-electric, piloted Nexus air taxi to life. The company is currently assembling the prototype at its Wichita headquarters with the goal of commencing flight tests in early 2025.

This follows the 2022 acquisition of European aircraft manufacturer Pipistrel, whose technology is being leveraged for the Nexus' battery system. Textron eAviation also took over the program from Textron's Bell unit, which had initially spearheaded the project in 2019.

The Nexus is designed to carry three to four passengers and boasts a range of 100 nautical miles on a single charge, with a cruising speed of 120 knots. Textron envisions the aircraft serving various purposes, including urban air mobility, emergency medical services, and other specialized missions.

While Textron eAviation leads development, the project benefits from collaboration across Textron's subsidiaries. Bell's tiltrotor technology, McCauley's propellers, and Pipistrel's battery expertise are all being incorporated. Additionally, Textron Aviation manufactures parts based on eAviation's engineering specifications.

Flight testing for the Nexus will occur at a dedicated facility being constructed by Wichita State University's National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) near McConnell Air Force Base.

Source: AIN
Associated URL: https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-05-14/textron-eaviations-nexus-evtol-aircraft-could-fly-2025

TORRANCE, Calif. -- Robinson Helicopter Company has received approval from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for a new empennage design for the R22 helicopter. The new design includes a symmetric horizontal stabilizer and tailcone, and is now standard on all newly-manufactured Robinson helicopters. With its certification on the R22, the design is now FAA-certified for Robinson's entire fleet of helicopters.

Robinson plans to offer a retrofit kit for owners of existing R22s, as well as R44 and R66s. As with previous empennage kits, the forthcoming retrofit kit for the R22 is to be available at a discounted rate through December 2024. The kit allows installation of the symmetrical stabilizer on existing tailcones in the field, without requiring a complete tailcone replacement.

"This certification underscores Robinson Helicopter Company's dedication to engineering enhancements that make our aircraft more accessible and easier to fly," said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson. "By doing so, we unlock even more opportunities for the next generation to experience the joy of flight and build long careers in aviation."

Source: Robinson Helicopter Company

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Archer Aviation is aiming to streamline operations after first-quarter expenses rose due to development efforts for its Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The four-seater Midnight is on track for a launch in early 2025.

Archer reported non-GAAP expenses of $142.2 million in Q1, targeting a significant reduction to $80-95 million in Q2. This decrease follows upfront investments in manufacturing capabilities for key components. The company also incurred a net loss of $116.5 million, exceeding both the previous quarter and the same period in 2023.

Archer boasts healthy liquidity of $523 million, including $405.8 million in cash and equivalents. The company attributes elevated Q1 costs to non-recurring payments to secure supply chain partnerships and a one-time expense to settle an intellectual property lawsuit.

Assembly of the first production-conforming Midnight has begun at Archer's headquarters, with piloted flight tests planned later this year. Additionally, the company established a high-volume battery production line in San Jose, capable of supplying 15,000 packs annually for the future Georgia production facility.

Source: AIN
Associated URL: https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-05-10/archer-expects-cut-evtol-aircraft-development-costs-q2
Author: Charles Alcock