Pegasus Universal, a Pretoria, South African-based aerospace company debuted a six-foot by six-foot model of a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft – called Pegasus One – at this week’s European Business Aviation Convention and Exposition (EBACE) in Geneva, Switzerland.
The all-composite aircraft will offer a 2,400 nm range when it uses a standard runway or about 1,150 nm when operating in the VTOL configuration. The aircraft will carry as many as eight people at a cruise speed of approximately 430 knots. The Pegasus One will be powered by two 2,300 hp turboshaft engines.
The company has been predominantly self-funded, together with angel investment. Pegasus is currently searching for new investors, as well as interest from industry influencers and leaders. Pegasus estimates its needs around U.S. $400 million to bring the aircraft to market.
Founding Chairman and visionary Dr. Reza Mia said, “We are working hard to build a full-scale cabin mock-up of Pegasus One which we plan to bring to London to start a demonstration tour of Europe in 2020 to drum up interest.” Pegasus has identified a customer base that spans the civil and executive aerospace sectors and sees Europe, India and China as key markets.
