FutureFlight
Manta Accelerates Development of ANN eVTOL Aircraft Family
Flight testing with one-third-scale prototypes of the two-seat ANN2 are continuing, with a full-scale prototype to follow in 2023.
Manta Aircraft's ANN2 eVTOL aircraft will be able to land on rooftops.
Manta Aircraft says its ANN2 and ANN4 hybrid-electric aircraft will be able to operate in both VTOL and STOL modes, depending on range requirements and available infrastructure. (Image: Manta Aircraft)

Manta Aircraft is stepping up flight testing with a one-third-scale model of its ANN2 eVTOL aircraft, while also starting assembly of a second example that will incorporate enhanced capabilities. The Italian company says it has frozen the design for the two-seat hybrid-electric vehicle and intends to assemble the first full-scale prototype at the start of 2023.

In 2021, the Manta team relocated to Sesto Calende in Italy’s Lombardy region, close to the headquarters of  Leonardo Helicopters, which has a high concentration of engineering skills. The start-up’s board has been bolstered by the appointment of former Leonardo chairman and CEO Giuseppe Orsi and, this week, by the addition of the helicopter manufacturer's former senior vice president for engineering, safety, and governance, Fabio Nannoni. It is recruiting more engineers and also a strategic finance executive.