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Before Electric Air Taxis Arrive, Crop Spraying eVTOLs Take to the Skies

Did you miss the first commercial eVTOL to take flight in the U.S.?

Guardian Agriculture eVTOL aircraft
Guardian Agriculture’s SC1 eVTOL can cover up to 60 acres per hour, the company claims. [Courtesy: Guardian Agriculture]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Guardian Agriculture achieved the first commercial eVTOL flight in the U.S., autonomously spraying crops in California, marking a significant entry of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft into national airspace.
  • German manufacturer Lilium has begun production of its Lilium Jet eVTOL, delivering the first fuselage for assembly and aiming for flight tests in 2024 with certification by 2025.
  • NASA and the U.S. Air Force are partnering to develop a digital operations center for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to enhance base security, special forces capabilities, and emergency response.
  • The industry is actively preparing for broader AAM integration, with AUVSI launching an initiative to help states develop infrastructure and policies, while also facing challenges like the looming expiration of federal counter-drone authority.
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Hello, and welcome to the Future of FLYING newsletter, our weekly look at the biggest stories in emerging aviation technology. From low-altitude drones to high-flying rockets at the edge of the atmosphere, we’ll take you on a tour of the modern flying world to help you make sense of it all.

Now for this week’s top story:

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.

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