Photo: Overair
Overair is ending the year on a high note with the inauguration of the first full-scale prototype of its unique, military-inspired eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) named Butterfly.
Last year, the California-based company focused on propulsion testing, which included a truck-based test. Now, with the assembly of the Butterfly prototype complete, it's ready to move on to the next testing phase, which will take place at its headquarters in Santa Ana. Later on, the prototype will be moved to the company's advanced flight test facility in Victorville for further testing.
The Butterfly eVTOL is unique in many ways, starting with its unusual look that makes it stand out on the market. It's the result of a particular propulsion technology with four huge rotors. Overair says they're more than double in size compared to those of most eVTOLs.
It also claims to be the first one to incorporate two highly advanced technologies known as IBC (Individual Blade Control) and OSTR (Optimum Speed Tilt Rotor). Together, these two turn the Butterfly into the most efficient and quietest aircraft in its class. While providing a smoother and safer ride for its passengers, the Butterfly is also designed to be rugged. According to the manufacturer, it can ensure high performance no matter the weather, temperature, or altitude.
This ruggedness and exceptional performance were among the factors that convinced the US Navy to select Overair for SBIR funding, with the special target of advancing the IBC technology.
Another reason that makes this eVTOL worth remembering is that its innovative concept comes from none other than the drone pioneer himself, Abe Karem. Karem was one of the main figures at the dawn of the drone era, back in the '80s, and he helped develop some of the best unmanned aerial vehicles for the military (the Predator and the A160 Hummingbird). This might explain why this electric air taxi with a delicate name is actually a rugged machine that's directly derived from military technology.
The Butterfly will also stand among the most spacious aircraft of its kind, with a heavy-duty cabin that can carry up to five passengers or a large cargo payload. It can fly up to 200 mph (322 kph) and cover short distances of around 100 miles (161 km).
Overair's unique aircraft isn't limited to domestic military, urban, and cargo operations. It was also impressive enough to convince the South Korean Police, which is currently working with the Californian manufacturer, to lay the ground for future AAM (Advanced Air Mobility) operations in South Korea. The eVTOL maker recently received orders for more than 320 units in the region, including Jeju Island.
The upcoming year will most likely confirm Butterfly's exceptional performance across domains and take the eVTOL maker one step closer to commercial operations.
The Butterfly eVTOL is unique in many ways, starting with its unusual look that makes it stand out on the market. It's the result of a particular propulsion technology with four huge rotors. Overair says they're more than double in size compared to those of most eVTOLs.
It also claims to be the first one to incorporate two highly advanced technologies known as IBC (Individual Blade Control) and OSTR (Optimum Speed Tilt Rotor). Together, these two turn the Butterfly into the most efficient and quietest aircraft in its class. While providing a smoother and safer ride for its passengers, the Butterfly is also designed to be rugged. According to the manufacturer, it can ensure high performance no matter the weather, temperature, or altitude.
This ruggedness and exceptional performance were among the factors that convinced the US Navy to select Overair for SBIR funding, with the special target of advancing the IBC technology.
Another reason that makes this eVTOL worth remembering is that its innovative concept comes from none other than the drone pioneer himself, Abe Karem. Karem was one of the main figures at the dawn of the drone era, back in the '80s, and he helped develop some of the best unmanned aerial vehicles for the military (the Predator and the A160 Hummingbird). This might explain why this electric air taxi with a delicate name is actually a rugged machine that's directly derived from military technology.
The Butterfly will also stand among the most spacious aircraft of its kind, with a heavy-duty cabin that can carry up to five passengers or a large cargo payload. It can fly up to 200 mph (322 kph) and cover short distances of around 100 miles (161 km).
Overair's unique aircraft isn't limited to domestic military, urban, and cargo operations. It was also impressive enough to convince the South Korean Police, which is currently working with the Californian manufacturer, to lay the ground for future AAM (Advanced Air Mobility) operations in South Korea. The eVTOL maker recently received orders for more than 320 units in the region, including Jeju Island.
The upcoming year will most likely confirm Butterfly's exceptional performance across domains and take the eVTOL maker one step closer to commercial operations.
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