Deseret UAS has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ElectraFly to begin flight testing on Deseret's ranges early in 2019.
ElectraFly is a Utah-based aviation company developing a hybrid-electric personal flying vehicle with the aim to increase lift capacity and flight times for VTOL aircraft of virtually any size. The work intends to enable multirotors to carry a meaningful load, including personal transportation, supplies, and package delivery. To support this work the company is developing a prototype that is positioned between technologies like a personal jetpack and a large, helicopter-like air taxi.
The ElectraFly prototype is being built to carry a passenger, which means it can be also used by the first responders or military special forces. Other versions will be scaled for air taxi or SAR, and smaller versions will be ideal for shipping and package delivery.
Tulinda Larsen, executive director, Deseret UAS, said: ‘Commercial UAS/UAM companies need flight test ranges to apply their technologies and prove operational performance. The ElectraFly MoU is an example of how Deseret UAS is a game-changer for the industry because we provide flight test ranges designed for safe commercial testing with the necessary FAA authorisations.’