eFlight Journal 02-2020
E-Flight Journal 2-2020
E-Flight Journal 2-2020
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e Innovation<br />
At the end of the launch<br />
event, Sabrewing unveiled<br />
the 50% sub-scale prototype<br />
of its hybrid eVTOL<br />
cargo drone with MTOW<br />
2.2 tons and in fixed-wing<br />
CTOL configuration at 4.4<br />
tons. The prototype has<br />
tilting ducted fan, serial<br />
hybrid electric drive train<br />
with Safran’s gas turbine<br />
as the generator of 2.8<br />
MW power.<br />
THE FIRST TYPE:<br />
Payload: 3-8 PAX<br />
Range: Over 100 miles (160 kilometers)<br />
Speed: greater than 100 miles per hour (160 km/h)<br />
Duration: more than 60 minutes<br />
Full-scale prototype first flight date: before December<br />
17, 2<strong>02</strong>0<br />
THE SECOND TYPE:<br />
Payload: 1-2 PAX (or equivalent weight of cargo)<br />
Range: more than 10 miles (16 kilometers)<br />
Speed: greater than 45 miles per hour (72 km/h)<br />
Duration: more than 15 minutes<br />
Full-scale prototype first flight date: before December<br />
17, 2<strong>02</strong>0<br />
The project defines eVTOL as “ORB”. Sounding<br />
ambiguously, it requires such eVTOL aircraft have<br />
modular capabilities to form a low-cost, easy-touse,<br />
and efficient short-haul air transport network.<br />
THE THIRD TYPE:<br />
Maximum takeoff weight:<br />
more than 1320 pounds (600 kg)<br />
Payload: 500 lbs (230 kg)<br />
Range: more than 200 miles (320 kilometers)<br />
Speed: greater than 100 miles per hour (160 km/h)<br />
Duration: more than 100 minutes<br />
Full-scale prototype first flight date: before December<br />
17, 2<strong>02</strong>0<br />
To better understand what an “ORB” aircraft is, the<br />
project lists aircraft that are NOT ORBs, including<br />
fixed-wing aircraft, traditional helicopters, flying cars<br />
that can travel on the ground, and unmanned drones.<br />
The project will evaluate the participating aircraft models<br />
and enterprises, and formulate the next action plan,<br />
including prototype procurement, flight test and airworthiness<br />
certification etc. It is planned to have the maturity<br />
of large-scale application by 2<strong>02</strong>3. The requirement<br />
of the first flight timetable has already ruled out most of<br />
the start-up companies. In fact, the project also made<br />
it clear in the description that this is not a venture cap-<br />
The main advantages of “ORB” include runway-free,<br />
low maintenance, sustainability, low cost, low noise,<br />
safety, etc.<br />
2 / 2<strong>02</strong>0<br />
e Flight <strong>Journal</strong><br />
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