On March 1, 2024, eVTOL developer and manufacturer Hien Aero Technologies announced that it successfully conducted a levitation test for a large unmanned eVTOL that uses gas turbine power generation for approximately one minute, a first in Asia.

HIEN began ground testing of gas turbine generators in 2023, and in June of the same year, the world's first gas turbine hybrid self-sustaining levitation was successfully achieved with the proof-of-principle aircraft "HIEN Dr-One V1" with a take-off weight of 100 kg.

On March 1, 2024, we conducted a hybrid levitation test using the airplane-type unmanned aerial vehicle "HIEN Dr-One V2B" in an outdoor environment at a local airport. The successful completion of this levitation test is a significant achievement as this technological milestone has been achieved.

We will start selling the gas turbine generator "DRAGON" based on the technology used in this test, the hybrid system "Butterfly" that drives it, and the large unmanned aircraft "HIEN Dr-One" in 2025, with a goal of 2030. We are planning to develop a six-seater manned eVTOL (air taxi), also known as a "flying car."

What is eVTOL developed by HIEN?
eVTOL (electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing aircraft) refers to an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. Compared to other aircraft types, it does not require a long runway, and is expected to have advantages in delivering goods to remote islands, remote areas, and depopulated areas.

On the other hand, typical pure electric eVTOL aircraft have significant cruising range limitations due to the limits of battery energy density, and the need for battery charging infrastructure has also been pointed out.

The gas turbine hybrid developed by HIEN addresses these issues by using a highly efficient gas turbine hybrid power supply system that has a density several dozen times that of batteries, and achieves flight distance, flight time, and high operating efficiency that are impossible with electric vehicles. achieve the rate. In addition, by having power generation capacity, it will also have the ability to supply power in the event of a disaster.

These enable lower constraints and higher scalability compared to pure electric eVTOLs. HIEN Dr-One answers the high demand for hybrid eVTOLs and enables unprecedented operations, including long-haul and long-payload logistics.

Source: HEIN