The Future of Advanced Air Mobility

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. 

Timeline

Projected

type certification granted

By the end of 2025, Atlas Aero intends to complete type certification of the Origin aircraft. 

Missed Projection

type certification applied

By the end of 2022, Atlas Aero intend to have begun testing for the type certification process for its Origin aircraft.

Missed Projection

By early 2021, Atlas Aero intends to complete construction of the first full-scale proof-of-concept version of its Origin aircraft.

Missed Projection

test flight

First flight of full-scale technology demonstrator aircraft.
Missed Projection

investment

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. 

Outlook

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:

  • Total investment funds available in proportion to the anticipated cost of getting an aircraft certified and in service
  • A company’s in-house capability (in terms of numbers of engineers, technical staff, and customer support teams)
  • The past experience of the company and its senior leadership in developing aircraft
  • The caliber and past experience of key program partners
  • Whether key aircraft systems have been selected and are available for use
  • Whether the preliminary design review has been completed
  • Whether the design for the full-scale prototype has been completed
  • Whether the type certification process has been formally initiated with an appropriate regulator
  • Whether the company has achieved a first flight with a full-scale prototype
  • The number of hours logged in a flight test program
  • Whether type certification has been achieved
  • The number of orders and commitment received for the aircraft
  • Whether the company has adequate facilities to begin series production of the aircraft
Our Methodology

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. 

Origin Models

Origin Specifications

local vtol Lift + Cruise

Performance

  • Passenger Capacity
    2
  • Range
    937 mi
  • Cruise Speed
    188 mph
  • Powerplant Type
    ducted fan
  • Power Source
    hybrid_fe
  • Endurance
    n/a
  • Max Altitude
    10,000 ft
  • Takeoff Distance
    n/a
  • Landing Distance
    n/a
  • Empty Weight
    n/a
  • MGTOW
    1,760 lb
  • Payload Weight
    n/a

Dimensions

  • Length
    n/a
  • Width
    n/a
  • Height
    n/a
  • Wingspan
    24 ft

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.

Key Personnel

Tobias Salbaum, CEO and founder of Atlas Aero. (Photo: Atlas Aero)
Tobias Salbaum

Founder

Maximilian Salbaum, co-founder and CTO of Atlas Aero (Photo: Atlas Aero)
Maximilian Salbaum

Founder