Thursday, March 28, 2024
Industry update

Orca Aerospace and NLR to jointly develop eVTOL air ambulance

Orca Aerospace and NLR – Netherlands Aerospace Centre have signed a Memorandum of Understanding underlining their mutual commitment to research and develop an Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft that will offer an affordable and a more sustainable flight experience.

Orca’s ambition is the creation of an eVTOL aircraft for Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Orca combines over 20 years of knowledge in the field aircraft certification and composite aircraft manufacturing.

The use of Orca’s eVTOL technology will reduce environmental and noise pollution and cut vehicle maintenance and operating costs.

The Orca eVTOL has been designed primarily for EMS but can also be reconfigured for multiple missions including personal air vehicle use, air taxi service and other commercial use. The aim is to have the first flight test results of the subscale demonstrator before the end of 2021.

The proposed Emergency Medial Service (EMS) eVTOL aircraft is powered by 7 electric motors: 4 propellers are exclusively for VTOL flight, 2 tilt-rotor propellers for VTOL and forward flight, and 1 pusher propeller for forward flight. The cruise speed is around 296 km/h. The estimated range is 110-130 km. The aircraft can transport up to 3 persons (1 pilot, 1 patient, 1 EMS personnel).

The collaboration with Orca contributes to NLR’s ambition towards a more sustainable aviation. With over 100 years of experience within aerospace, NLR will assist Orca with the development of operational concepts on eVTOL vehicles, supporting qualification, certification and establishing and supporting a mutual R&D network for the development of critical technologies.

About Orca Aerospace

Orca Aerospace was founded in 2020 by Soma Varga CEO, Zsolt Koltai COO and Ákos Matyus CTO. The company’s establishment was motivated by the founder’s conviction that electric aircraft will allow cheaper, more sustainable flight for consumers. In addition, eVTOL aircraft cost less to purchase and maintain, have lower operating costs, allow faster response times when used by EMS personnel, and are more reliable and secure than today’s internal combustion engine powered aircraft.

About Royal NLR

Royal NLR makes aerospace more sustainable, safer, more efficient and more effective. The innovative solutions and practical advice strengthen the competitiveness of the business community and contribute to solutions for social issues. NLR works in an objective manner, for and with the (inter) national business community and government agencies.

Wiebe de Jager

Wiebe de Jager is the founder of Dronewatch (available in Dutch and English). Wiebe is an experienced drone pilot (EASA Specific category certified) and has published a number of bestselling books about drone photography and cinematography.

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