Airbus Reveals NextGen CityAirbus Prototype, Preparing for Groundbreaking Test Campaign

In a special ceremony held at its facility in Donauworth, Germany, Airbus unveiled the CityAirbus NextGen prototype to the public in advance of the electric aircraft’s maiden flight later this year.

“Our very first launch of CityAirbus NextGen is a significant and tangible step toward advanced air mobility, our future product and market,” said Balkiz Sarihan, CEO and head of Urban Air Mobility at Airbus. “Our global partners, community, and staff are to be commended for their invaluable assistance in making this a reality.”

Accompanying the unveiling were additional photographs and a video showcasing the prototype, which underwent assembly for the duration of the previous year in anticipation of commencing its flight test campaign in 2024.

The inaugural stage of this campaign will be conducted at the recently inaugurated CityAirbus test center in Donauworth, spanning an area of 10,700 square feet. Although the present emphasis of the center is on the development of CityAirbus NextGen, its long-term goal is to transform it into a facility that exclusively tests systems for all electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles produced by the manufacturer.

With a wing span of approximately 40 feet (12 meters), the CityAirbus NextGen is propelled by 16 electrical power units and eight propellers, with dual systems providing redundancy. It will accommodate one pilot and three passengers in a banked seat located at the rear of the cabin while in operation.

The manufacturer claims that the aircraft’s range of 50 miles (80 kilometers) and cruise speed of 75 mph (120 km/h) will make it suitable for a wide spectrum of operations in major metropolitan areas. Airbus is currently developing the aircraft with these specifications in mind.

CityAibus NextGen successfully concluded its initial power-on in December 2023 and is presently undertaking the necessary tests to be certified for its maiden flight. These encompass the evaluation of the avionics and electric motors, rotors, flight controls, and avionics.

While the preliminary phase will involve remote piloting, Airbus has consistently maintained its intention to introduce a piloted product into the eVTOL market.

The flight test campaign will occur concurrently with the development of several technologies that are slated for integration into the aircraft, including the Vertex autonomy system and “Millennium” single stick control.

Airbus is actively engaged in the extension of the operational ecosystem for eVTOL aircraft through the formation and maintenance of viable advanced air mobility (AAM) markets through the execution of strategic partnerships.

These agreements encompass collaborations with The Helicopter Company of Saudi Arabia, Ecocopter of Chile, and Hiratagakuen of Japan, all of which aim to enhance comprehension of the urban air mobility markets in the respective regions. Additionally, a collaboration has been established with the Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation to investigate the potential application of CityAirbus NextGen in the context of emerge𝚗cy medical services (EMS).

It and leasing company LCI reached an agreement at Heli-Expo 2024 to concentrate on the creation of partnership scenarios and business models in the following three AAM core areas: financing, commercialization, and strategy.