Zuri eVTOL Could Be the Gamechanger
Zuri 2.0 Could Be an eVTOL Travel Gamechanger
Highly Advanced Hybrid Electric Flying Machine
Prague, Czech Republic-based, urban air mobility startup Zuri has unveiled a long distance, unmanned eVTOL (electric, vertical takeoff and landing) vehicle. The aircraft has a big range of 435 miles which could make it an industry gamechanger. To date, most eVTOLs have had very limited range: many in the neighborhood of 50 to 100 miles. Zuri extended the vehicle's range by using a hybrid electric powertrain. Zuri 2.0 is designed to carry 4 to 5 passengers for regional travel. The company has also unveiled a cargo version of the eVTOL. Both versions fly by autopilot. All phases of the flight are unmanned.
Technology Details
Zuri is a hybrid eVTOL with eight tilting electric motors (4 propellers in the front and 4 propellers in the back) for vertical takeoffs and landings. There's a turboprop engine for forward flight. It can fly 435 miles in less than 3 hours. The maximum cruising altitude is 12,000 feet. Maximum speed is 185 mph. The company says it can land in small spaces and runs nearly silently. A smart battery system monitors several battery packs that operate independently.
Autopilot, AI, Computer Vision and Sensors
Zuri 2.0 has a highly advanced autopilot system. There are AI algorithms and sensors for computerized vision and object recognition. There are also many data inputs that reflect air traffic and terrain surrounding the eVTOL. Zuri also contains a redundant fly by wire system and mechanical backups for the aircraft's flying control surfaces. Zuri 2.0 has successfully completed many flight tests. The company is looking for certification to fly from the FAA and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The company hopes to deploy the vehicle commercially soon.
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