Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Volocopter today confirmed that its four-seat VoloConnect eVTOL aircraft made its first test flight on May 20. During the Up.Partners annual gathering on June 7, the German company said it now has full-scale prototypes of all three of its eVTOL designs engaged in test flights, including the two-seat VoloCity and the autonomous freight-carrying VoloDrone.

 


The VoloConnect is expected to be able to fly 60 miles, which is almost three times farther than the VoloCity's limit, and at speeds of 155 mph. The company aims to bring the model into commercial service in 2026, two years after it launches its smaller sibling.

 


The May 20 first flight in Munich lasted two minutes and 14 seconds. The company started developing the full-scale prototype 17 months ago, in early 2021, and last year flew a one-third scaled model.

 


The aircraft is intended to serve relatively long routes rather than short intra-urban hops and could prove valuable in sprawling metropolitan areas like greater Los Angeles.

 


Since the first takeoff, it has expanded the flight envelope to achieve 40 mph in forward flight and 28 mph flying sideways. In the coming weeks, Volocopter’s flight test team will conduct low- and high-speed maneuvers, transitions between hover and cruise phases of flight, and engine failures for both automated and autonomous flight modes.

 


Want more? You can find a longer version of this article at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.futureflight.aero/?__hstc=108169181.07ac8a354020a7c55deaa54320da592b.1599239980987.1654610210932.1654615558212.1914&amp;__hssc=108169181.9.1654615558212&amp;__hsfp=1202708352" target="_blank">FutureFlight.aero</a>, a news and information resource developed by&nbsp;AIN&nbsp;to provide objective coverage and analysis of cutting-edge aviation technology.

Volocopter's VoloConnect eVTOL Prototype Takes to Skies

Volocopter's VoloConnect four-seat full-scale eVTOL prototype is now in flight test, joining the two-seat VoloCity and freight-carrying VoloDrone.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN