SAMAD Aerospace, a tech start-up based in the United Kingdom, says it has completed hover tests for its second prototype eVTOL aircraft, the eStarling.
Designed for intercity transport, the aircraft combines a helicopter’s ability to take off and land from almost anywhere with the speed and range of a business jet, according to a news release.
With a semi-blended wing body design and powered by sustainable aviation fuel, the company says the eStarling will be the fastest hybrid electric eVTOL aircraft in the world with the longest range. It will have a cruising speed of 300 mph, a range of 800 miles and “will transport passengers ‘helipad-helipad’ avoiding the need to travel to and from airports.”
Previous testing has developed conventional take-off and landing of the prototype. Recent tethered hover tests followed by full hover tests demonstrated a very agile and stable prototype with hovering and helicopter moves.
The hover tests, completed in July, were performed over a crane system and focused on the validation of the flight control system in hovering mode. The company says the aircraft used 65 percent of the available power to take off and hover with a healthy power surplus for adverse weather conditions.
“The importance of these recent flight tests is the initial validation of autopilot that has been developed by the SAMAD Aerospace team,” said Dr. Seyed Mohseni, CEO of SAMAD Aerospace, in a statement.
The company says the aircraft is available to pre-order now with delivery set for 2026.
