Overair this week emerged from three years in stealth mode to reveal the design for its planned Butterfly eVTOL aircraft. With financial support from its Korean partner Hanwha Systems, the start-up told a press briefing that it is on track to complete FAA Part 23 type certification by the end of 2025 and to be ready to start commercial operations in 2026.
The Butterfly’s performance is based on the patented Optimum Speed Propulsion system developed over the past couple of decades through a sequence of rotorcraft and drone designs developed by company founder Abe Karem. Its four large tilting propellers spin slowly in hover and even slower during cruise flight, which Overair says results in reduced power consumption that boosts payload, as well as safety margins for operating in challenging environmental conditions. The high aspect ratio wings have full-span flaps to support low stall speeds.
