USAF Flight Tests LIFT's Hexa eVTOL

USAF Flight Tests LIFT’s Hexa eVTOL

Thursday, July 14, 2022 at 04:19 PM ET

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Texas-based Lift Aircraft’s Hexa eVTOL weighs 432 pounds and includes a halo of 18 proprotors. [Courtesy: Lift Aircraft]

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. Air Force successfully completed another flight test of LIFT's Hexa ultralight eVTOL aircraft at Duke Field, Florida, as a step towards integrating unmanned aircraft into military airfield operations.
The Hexa is a remotely piloted eVTOL weighing less than 500 pounds, featuring 18 motors, a carbon fiber airframe, amphibious capabilities, and the ability to fly safely with some motor failures.
This test is part of the Air Force's Agility Prime initiative, aiming to develop cost-effective air mobility solutions and enable service members to operate the aircraft with minimal training.
LIFT's Hexa has military airworthiness approval and is anticipated to qualify under FAA's ultralight classification, meaning it would not require a pilot's certificate to fly.

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The U.S. Air Force has completed another flight test of an ultralight, electronic vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Florida in what the service says is a first step toward incorporating the unmanned aircraft into operations at a military airfield.

The 10-minute flight of LIFT’s Hexa eVTOL occurred recently at Duke Field (KEGI), an auxiliary field for Eglin Air Force Base. Utilizing 18 motors and propellers, the unmanned aircraft was piloted remotely to a height of about 50 feet.