An 80 km range fully electric air taxi prototype, which is currently under development by Airbus, can reach a cruise speed of 120 km/h and offers seating for four passengers.
Called CityAirbus, the air taxi will be tested for a maiden flight later this year. Airbus said the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) will be suited for operations in major cities for a range of functions.
The debut of the CityAirbus prototype was made along with the opening of the air taxi’s test center in Donauwörth, Germany. The center will be used for testing systems for the eVTOLs as well as Airbus’ long-term investments into advanced air mobility.
The test will include electric motors with eight rotors as well as other systems like flight controls and avionics, Airbus said.
