FutureFlight
U.S. Air Force's HSVTOL Challenge Propels Jetoptera Fluidic Propulsion Technology
The start-up believes it can deliver a quantum leap in performance with technology using a small flow of compressed air from a turbo-compressor to suck in a much greater volume of ambient air, creating a vortex that significantly amplifies the airflow.
A quarter-scale model of Jetoptera's J-2000 prototype eVTOL aircraft is pictured during a test flight.
A quarter-scale model of Jetoptera's J-2000 prototype eVTOL aircraft is pictured during a test flight. (Credit: Jetoptera)

Jetoptera, a Washington state-based company developing innovative new VTOL and STOL aircraft concepts using bladeless fan technology, says it is on track to deliver a new prototype to the U.S. Air Force (USAF).  In a letter to investors published last week, it reported that it will be ready to begin demonstration flights in 2025.

The start-up is one of 11 companies selected by the U.S. Department of Defense to develop a high-performance VTOL aircraft as part of the High-Speed VTOL Challenge, a collaboration between the Air Force’s Afwerx program and the U.S. Special Operations Command. The HSVTOL Challenge aims to come up with an alternative to the Air Force’s current helicopters, providing new aircraft that can fly faster and longer, carry larger payloads, and provide more flexibility to carry out a variety of defense missions. 

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