Aircraft
Manta Taps Altair's Computational Intelligence for Ann Aircraft
The European start-up is developing three new VTOL and STOL designs
Altair's director of strategy, aerospace, and defense Paolo Colombo (left) with Manta Aircraft CEO Lucas Marchesini
Altair's director of strategy, aerospace, and defense, Paolo Colombo (left), with Manta Aircraft CEO Lucas Marchesini

Manta Aircraft is expanding work on its Ann family of hybrid-electric aircraft through a new partnership with IT engineering group Altair. The European start-up will participate in Altair’s Aerospace Accelerator Program to finalize the designs for the scalable vertical and short takeoff and landing aircraft for which it aims to achieve initial certification in 2027.

The Ann2 and Ann Plus models are expected to have a range of at least 300 kilometers (163 nm) when operating in vertical takeoff and landing mode. Operating from a short field of less than 1,000 feet, the range would increase to 800 kilometers (435 nm).