Super-simple helicopter looks easier than flying a drone

How hard could it be to fly a helicopter if the controls consisted of just one stick and two touchscreens? That’s exactly what the case is with the recently announced Skyryse One, which could be yours for just shy of $2 million.Continue ReadingCategory… Continue reading Super-simple helicopter looks easier than flying a drone

FlyNow eCopter takes a smaller, simpler approach to “air taxi” travel

There are now a number of companies working on eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) “air taxis,” most of which look a bit like larger versions of consumer quadcopter drones. The eCopter is different, however, in a way that could make it more l… Continue reading FlyNow eCopter takes a smaller, simpler approach to “air taxi” travel

FlyNow eCopter takes a smaller, simpler approach to “air taxi” travel

There are now a number of companies working on eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) “air taxis,” most of which look a bit like larger versions of consumer quadcopter drones. The eCopter is different, however, in a way that could make it more l… Continue reading FlyNow eCopter takes a smaller, simpler approach to “air taxi” travel

Rotor R550X: A full-size autonomous helicopter anyone can buy

Rotor Technologies is now in production on a full-size unmanned helicopter for civilian use. Based on the Robinson R44 Raven II, the R550X flies for more than three hours, at speeds up to 150 mph (241 km/h), carrying up to 1,200 lb (550 kg) of cargo.Co… Continue reading Rotor R550X: A full-size autonomous helicopter anyone can buy

Airbus’ FlightLab flies itself while pilot rides shotgun with a tablet

Having shown off simplified copter controls, Airbus Helicopters’ FlightLab has completed a fully automated flight testing a new simplified tablet-based human machine interface (HMI) designed to reduce pilot workloads and increase safety.Continue Readin… Continue reading Airbus’ FlightLab flies itself while pilot rides shotgun with a tablet

World-first automatic safety system lands a helicopter without power

Huge props to these two helicopter test pilots, who have white-knuckled it through one of the most harrowing experiences in rotorcraft flight – an unpowered autorotation emergency landing – allowing an autonomous system to take the controls.Continue Re… Continue reading World-first automatic safety system lands a helicopter without power

Airbus Helicopters single-joystick system simplifies copter controls

Airbus Helicopters’ new FlightLab flying laboratory is already yielding results, successfully testing a fly-by-wire system for Airbus’ CityAirbus NextGen eVTOL prototype that reduces the primary flight controls to a single joystick.Continue ReadingCate… Continue reading Airbus Helicopters single-joystick system simplifies copter controls

ATRX-700 light sport helicopter created in anticipation of FAA rule change

While the FAA reviews new regulations to okay light sports helicopters, aerospace companies Advanced Tactics and Rotor X have teamed up to use military helicopter technology to create a fly-by-wire sport two-seater copter called the ATRX-700.Continue R… Continue reading ATRX-700 light sport helicopter created in anticipation of FAA rule change