FutureFlight
CityAirbus Makes Automatic Flight As eVTOL Developer Prepares For Forward Flight Trials
Airbus Helicopters is preparing to move the CityAirbus technology demonstrator to its Manching facility in southern Germany in late August.
CityAirbus
Airbus Helicopters is preparing to expand the flight envelop of its CityAirbus eVTOL technology demonstrator. [Photo: Airbus]

Airbus Helicopters is set to start a new phase of testing of its CityAirbus eVTOL technology demonstrator with plans to begin forward flight trials and the expansion of the flight envelope at its Manching facility in Germany around the end of August. The move follows the successful first automatic flight by the aircraft on July 31 at the European group’s Donauworth facility and the first public demonstration conducted during a visit by Bavaria’s Prime Minister Markus Soder on July 20.

Using the more spacious and secure test facilities at Manching, near Munich, Airbus engineers will be able to increase flight test speeds and evaluate cruise performance. The next phase of flight testing for the four-seat CityAirbus had been due to start earlier this year but was delayed by Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.