On Wednesday, Boeing showcased an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) drone through a video. The drone is a four-axis, eight-rotor aircraft, standing about 1.22 meters tall, measuring 4.57 meters in length, and spanning 5.49 meters in width. It weighs approximately 339 kilograms.
Boeing revealed that this heavy-duty drone was designed and built in just three months and successfully completed its first flight test at the Boeing Research Laboratory in Missouri. Potential applications for the drone include delivering high-value, scarce supplies in critical situations, and it could also support Uber’s future flying car services.
[Image: A visual of the eVTOL drone]
As competition in the aviation industry grows, advancements in battery technology and electric motors are helping to lower flight costs and eliminate reliance on fossil fuels. In response, Boeing has been developing eco-friendly electric propulsion systems.
In November last year, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, and Siemens came together to explore the development of hybrid-electric engines. According to the collaboration, Airbus will lead the research and development of the system’s control structure and battery technology.
The displayed drone is powered by a customized Boeing battery capable of carrying up to 500 pounds (approximately 227 kg) of cargo.
In April of last year, Boeing, Aurora, and Uber formed a partnership to develop flying vehicles. Uber initially aimed to produce working prototypes by 2020. Aurora, a flight technology company, helped design an electric VTOL vehicle for Uber and now has military supply contracts from the Department of Defense. Aurora also develops drones and unmanned navigation technology, having previously collaborated with NASA and participated in the U.S. Department of Defense’s Global Hawk Program. They were responsible for creating the XV-24A LightningStrike eVTOL drone.
In June last year, Boeing announced its work on unmanned jet aircraft at the Paris Airshow. Then, in October, they acquired Aurora to further improve aircraft automation.
Beyond drones, Boeing has also supported the GoFly Flying Backpack Design Competition and acquired Liquid Robotics, a company focused on underwater drones. These moves suggest that Boeing is making strategic preparations for the future of transportation.
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