Volocopter VoloRegion

The VoloRegion is a lift-plus-cruise eVTOL being developed by Volocopter GmbH. The first prototype flight test for the aircraft was conducted in 2022 and entry into service is planned for 2026, with certification to come from EASA under the SC-VTOL enhanced category.

Structure and Powertrain

The VoloRegion seats four passengers inside the carbon fiber composite fuselage with large viewing windows and retractable tricycle wheeled landing gear. The aircraft features a high wing configuration and an M-shaped tail, with two booms extending between the two on either side. Three lift fans are positioned along the length of each boom and two ducted propellers are mounted to the sides of the fuselage. The fans/propellers are each powered by their own electric motor and the aircraft has lithium-ion batteries with swapping capabilities.

Distributed electric propulsion (DEP) is the name given to this method of powering aircraft. No critical points of failure provide a high level of redundancy and will ensure safety onboard. Other safety features include the ability for the aircraft to land conventionally when necessary.

Specifications

Avionics

The aircraft is to feature a fly-by-wire avionics system with Diehl Aerospace and Thales to supply the primary and backup flight control computers under a joint venture. The VoloRegion is set to have autonomous capabilities.