There are more solutions than obstacles. Nicolas Zart
For decades, the urban air mobility (UAM) dream has captivated many with helicopters. In the past decade, we focused our efforts on creating business cases for the deployment of Electric Short Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) for UAM. As the industry matures, it’s time to shine a spotlight on Electric Short Take-Off and Landing (eSTOL) and Electric Conventional Take-Off and Landing (eCTOL) aircraft, which are carving out their own niche within Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in regional air mobility.
How eSTOLs and eCTOLs Will Lead Regional Air Mobility
CONOPS are areal mobility simulations that help the AAM to define clearer future missions. Instead of using eVTOLs, helicopters simulate future operations. As the electric air mobility industry evolves, eVTOLs offer greater payloads and longer flight ranges. This is due in part to advancements in hybrid propulsion systems, ever-shrinking battery energy density, and overall greater efficiency. Two other electric aircraft are carving out a market share, eSTOLs and eCTOLs. They are finally recognized as taking on a greater role in regional air mobility, showcasing their unique capabilities and applicability for specific missions.
We previously highlighted Electra.aero, whose eSTOL blown-lift technology enables operations from very short runways. With a range of 435nm, Electra’s eSTOL aircraft excel in all-weather flying, package deliveries, and city-to-city hops, further showcasing the versatility of these electric aircraft.
ESTOL aircraft are winged electric vehicles that can take off and land on very short runways, typically less than 150 feet (45 meters), and land at even less distance. They are ideal for warehouse-to-warehouse operations, intra-city hops, and crucial last few miles deliveries. With their wing design, eSTOLs can carry heavier payloads than eVTOLs and fly farther. They are designed for 7 to 9 passengers with enough range to cover city-to-city operations. Their certification process is also considered more straightforward when compared to eVTOLs. The next generation of eSTOLs is designed for heavier payloads, ultimately between ten to 20 passengers.
On the other hand, eCTOLs stand to revolutionize passenger air transportation in the long run and make operational sense in the regional connectivity segment. Today, these airplanes are designed for 9 to 20 passengers, with companies aiming for the more lucrative 20 to 100-passenger market next. This market segment traditionally served by twin-propeller aircraft, transitioned to twin-turbofan designs, and eCTOLs are poised to bring it back to this efficient design.
eCTOL Business Case
Odys Aviation, based in Long Beach, California, is one of the key players in the eCTOL industry. Their Alta aircraft, a nine-passenger, two-pilot plane, features a unique box wing design with 16 propellers powered by a hybrid-electric powertrain. With a range of 650nm (1,210km) and 170nm of electric-only propulsion, the Alta can also operate quietly during early morning and late-night flights, bypassing noise ordinances that are a common complaint in Long Beach. Additionally, Odys Aviation claims sustainable aviation fuel can extend the aircraft’s range by an extra 480nm (888 km).
Ultimately, eCTOLs aim to enhance regional connectivity, improve the air travel experience with modern cabin designs, and offer increased luggage capacity compared to eVTOLs.
ESTOL and ECTOL aircraft are making a compelling business case for regional air mobility, offering unique capabilities that complement eVTOLs and shape the future of AAM. With their specific mission applications, increased payload and range, and efficient designs, eSTOLs and eCTOLs are set to take off in the world of transportation.