cityairbus nextgen eVTOL takes flight for the first time in germany

First flight test of CityAirbus NextGen’s eVTOL in germany

The CityAirbus NextGen’s eVTOL debuts its flight test campaign for the first time in Donauwörth, Germany. Held around November 6th, 2024, Airbus Helicopters’ CEO Bruno Even takes the celebration to X as he announces the beginning of the flight test with the first takeoff of the CityAirbus NextGen’s eVTOL. He extends his thanks to his Airbus teams who have helped allow the eVTOL to fly as part of the company’s Advanced Air Mobility mission.

all images courtesy of Airbus Helicopters

V-shaped tail and electric-powered propellers for the air taxi

Before Bruno Even posts his announcement on X, Airbus has already unveiled the CityAirbus NextGen prototype that they’d use for the flight test campaign. Introduced in March 2024, the fully electric eVTOL has a wing span of around 12 meters. Its wings are fixed, and its shape has a distinctive V-shaped tail. There are eight electric-powered propellers that power the aircraft as part of its distributed propulsion system. The teams look into making it fly with an 80-kilometer range and reach a cruising speed of 120 km/h.

CityAirbus NextGen eVTOL debuts its flight test campaign for the first time in Donauwörth, Germany

Testing center located in Donauwörth, Germany

With these features, the aircraft can be suitable for operations in major cities and not just for commercial and private flights. The testing facility is set at the Airbus center in Donauwörth, Germany, which was unveiled at the same time as the eVTOL prototype. It started its operations in December 2023, and moving forward, the company plans to use it for the remaining evaluations required for the prototype. The company adds that the tests cover the electric motors with their eight rotors as well as the aircraft’s other systems, such as flight controls and avionics.

Airbus unveiled the CityAirbus NextGen eVTOL prototype in March 2024

CityAirbus NextGen’s eVTOL forms part of Airbus’ Air Mobility Initiative goals. In Germany, the company leads a series of research projects that focus on three main areas, namely eVTOL, UTM services, and airport and city integration, including vertiports. The first flight test of the prototype keeps this initiative going and affirms that they’re on the right track. Airbus’ target is also to be able to provide additional flight services to cities and communities. These include the use of eVTOL for medical use cases, shuttle services, and eco-tourism.

the fully electric eVTOL has a wing span of around 12 meters