FutureFlight
Ultralight eVTOL Aircraft Prepares for Multiple Agricultural and Rural Support Roles
Ryse says its $150,000 Recon eVTOL aircraft will offer a carbon-neutral, time-saving alternative to all-terrain vehicles currently used for multiple roles on farms and vineyards and at parks.
Ryse's Recon single-seat eVTOL vehicle.
Ryse's Recon single-seat eVTOL vehicle is intended for operations under Part 103 rules on farms and ranches. (Image: Ryse Aero Technologies)

While eVTOL aircraft developers are promising urban upwardly mobile folks an escape from gridlocked city roads, Ryse Aero Technologies is more concerned with how it can help the agricultural community. The U.S. start-up is working on a single-seat eVTOL vehicle that could be operated by farmers, winemakers, or park rangers with minimal training under the FAA’s Part 103 rules covering ultralight recreational aircraft that do not require type certification.

Ryse, which was founded just last year, is preparing to make a first piloted flight with its Recon aircraft, building on uncrewed sorties conducted so far. The company’s objective is to have the vehicle—which features six independent lift-and-cruise propulsion systems—in production as early as the first quarter of 2023.