type certification granted
By the end of 2025, Atlas Aero intends to complete type certification of the Origin aircraft.
The Origin personal air vehicle is a fixed-wing design with ducted fans in each wing for vertical lift and a pusher propeller for the cruise phase of flight. The hybrid electric powerplant will consist of a standard engine that will recharge batteries providing power to electric motors driving the fans. Once the aircraft reaches a cruise speed of between 160 to 180 km/h (100 to 113 mph) the ducted fans in the wings will be covered to optimise the aerodynamics for forward flight and increase range.
Initially, Atlas Aero believes the two-seat aircraft will be an alternative to light helicopters, such as the Robinson R-22. Once public acceptance of eVTOL aircraft is more established, it sees the aircraft being operated autonomously for air taxi flights, but also as alternatives to cars with the capability to drive on roads.
Conceptual design work for the eVTOL started in 2015, and the Germany-based company was formed in July 2019. Atlas Aero is targeting a range of up to 1,500 km (937 miles) and speeds of up to 300 km/h (188 mph). Ground speed would be up to 30 km/h (18 mph). The company projects that fuel consumption would be around 100 km per 5 liters (1.32 U.S. gallons) of fuel.
By April 2020, the company intended to have a full-scale technology demonstrator ready to display at the Aero Friedrichshafen air show in Germany. It expects to start testing flying this version by the end of 2020.
By the end of 2020, the company intends to have completed construction of a full-scale proof-of-concept vehicle that will be used to test the hybrid-electric propulsion system. Subject to sufficient funds being in pace, the program timeline calls for a two-seat prototype built and ready to start type certification testing by the end of 2022.
Atlas Aero aims to have a piloted version of the aircraft approved to enter service in 2025. The German company intends to complete certification under EASA's new Special Conditions rules for eVTOL aircraft. If these are not confirmed in time, it may instead opt to use existing CS23 rules.
By the end of 2025, Atlas Aero intends to complete type certification of the Origin aircraft.
By the end of 2022, Atlas Aero intend to have begun testing for the type certification process for its Origin aircraft.
By early 2021, Atlas Aero intends to complete construction of the first full-scale proof-of-concept version of its Origin aircraft.
Atlas Aero indicated that it may launch an initial seed funding round following the planned unveiling of its full-scale technology demonstrator at the Aero Friedrichshafen show in the first week of April.
Our objective assessment of this program’s probable success.
FutureFlight assesses the probability of success for a new aircraft program by considering the following criteria:
At face value, the Origin design is an interesting concept that promises exceptional range for an eVTOL aircraft. However, very little is known about the resources available for this program, and the company founders appear to have limited experience.
Atlas Aero is developing the Origin as a fixed-wing personal air vehicle with ducted fans in the wing for vertical lift and a single pusher propeller for cruise flight. Once the aircraft attains a cruise speed of around 113 mph, the ducted fans would be covered to optimize the aerodynamic performance of the wing and maximize range. A conventional engine will provide power to recharge batteries powering electric motors.
The company intends to deliver a range of up to 1,500 km (937 miles) and speeds of up to 300 km/h (188 mph). Ground speed would be up to 30 km/h (18 mph). The company projects that fuel consumption would be around 100 km per 5 liters (1.32 U.S. gallons) of fuel.