Overair Starts Ground Tests with Butterfly eVTOL's Propulsion System
The company is running a full-scale example of the electric aircraft's propulsion system on a truck-based test bed to evaluate its large-scale tilting propellers and other components.
Overair has started ground testing the propulsion system for its five-seat Butterfly eVTOL aircraft. The California-based start-up this week released a video showing a full-scale example of the propulsion system, including its distinguishing large tilting propellers, being run on a truck in a desert.
The company reported that it is on track to achieve its objective of a first production-conforming prototype flight in 2023. With backing from Korean partner Hanwha Systems, Overair aims to achieve type certification under FAA’s Part 23 rules in time for commercial flights to begin in 2026. It expects the Butterfly to have a range of over 100 miles and a top speed of 200 mph.
