watch: volocopter tests its full-size air taxi prototype in maiden flight

VoloCity takes to the skies

Urban air mobility company Volocopter has released the footage from the first flight of its full-size ‘VoloCity’ air taxi prototype. The short video (above) shows the eVTOL successfully fly and safely land in Bruchsal in southern Germany.

‘On a chilly December morning, our team was excited because everything was finally coming together,’ said Volocopter. ‘As the VoloCity emerged from the hangar and moved into the airfield, we held our breath for the flight test we’d been waiting no less than 11 years to conduct!’

Described by Volocopter as the culmination of the team’s hard work and dedication, the maiden VoloCity flight marks the next step in the company’s plans to have the air taxi operational for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

images and main video courtesy of Volocopter

The final VoloCity prototype has taken 11 years of development and over 1,500 test flights. The fully electric aircraft is designed with 18 rotors on top, which are powered by nine rechargeable batteries. It has a range of 35km and a top air speed of 110km/h. The air taxi has space for two passengers and hand luggage.

‘Today, we celebrate a remarkable achievement: the culmination of our aspiration to create a better future in which electric aircraft and emission-free flights are the new dimension of global mobility,’ said the team. ‘As Volocopter taxis toward this new frontier, it will make urban flights just a few smartphone clicks away. These moments demonstrate how our pioneering spirit will bring our vision to life before our very eyes. And it’s just the push we need as we enter the final leg of the race to commercial launch.’

Following its maiden flight in Germany at the end of 2021, Volocopter has more recently conducted flight tests at Pontoise airfield northwest of Paris in preparation of VoloCity’s 2024 launch date.

Stay tuned as we keep you updated on Volocopter and the other companies competing for a slice of the rapidly growing urban air mobility market.

VoloCity features 18 rotors