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Report: U.S. Air Force Should Scale Back Investment in eVTOL Tech

Researchers with the Rand Corporation find that the Air Force’s Agility Prime program is not delivering results for itself or its partners.

Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 02:04 PM ET

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Pivotal’s BlackFly eVTOL is among designs being evaluated by the Air Force’s Agility Prime program for military applications. [Courtesy: U.S. Air Force/Matthew Clouse]

Key Takeaways:

A Rand Corporation report suggests the U.S. Air Force's Agility Prime program, which invests in eVTOL aircraft, is unlikely to be transformational for military missions or effectively shape the domestic eVTOL industry.
The report highlights that the Air Force will constitute only a minimal fraction of the future eVTOL market and lacks mechanisms to influence commercial designs for military suitability, raising concerns about supply chain security.
Rand recommended that Agility Prime scale back its program to focus on a few highly capable eVTOLs, prioritize non-monetary partnerships, and support government agencies in developing crucial eVTOL regulations.
Significant budget cuts proposed for AFWERX, the division housing Agility Prime, in FY25 may compel the program to reduce funding to commercial partners and implement some of the report's recommendations.

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The U.S. Air Force is blowing its money on electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, according to a report released last month.

Manufacturers of novel eVTOL aircraft—designed to take off and land vertically like a helicopter but cruise on fixed wings like an airplane—have raised billions of dollars in venture capital. The FAA’s Innovate28 plan even predicts they will be a regular occurrence in U.S. skies by the time the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games arrive.

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.