DAILY INNOVATION BRIEF by Maryanne Kane, Journalist

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DAILY INNOVATION BRIEF 

By Journalists Edward Kane & Maryanne Kane 


BLACKFLY/HELIX PERSONAL eVTOL BEING RIGOROUSLY TESTED BY USAF FOR USE



                                        Source:  Pivotal
  • The US Air Force is considering a one-person flying eVTOL as part of its fleet of military vehicles. It's BlackFly, now called Helix, and it is considered one of the most exciting personal flying machines. Here are some key facts:
  • USAF has started an 8-month rigorous testing process for the BlackFly/Helix, a personal, electric flying machine
  • USAF has purchased 8 BlackFlys for the testing program
  • The maker of BlackFly is Pivotal, a leading electric, light aircraft manufacturer
  • It became known to the public as Opener's BlackFly and it's a pioneer in personal eVTOLs
  • 1 and 2-seat versions
  • 1st deliveries to customers to start in June 2024
  • Price starts at $190,000
  • No pilot's license is needed
  • The vehicle has tilt wing eVTOL architecture
  • Vehicle is much less expensive than a helicopter but takes off and lands like one
  • For the USAF, potential uses include military operations, surveillance, disasters and emergency response
  • Air Force is testing it for stability and effectiveness in a number of environments
  • Positive findings by the USAF would be a boon for Palo Alto-based Pivotal.

FIAT'S 1ST MEGA-PANDA ROLLING OUT




                                                Source:  Fiat

  • Fiat just disclosed that it has a lineup of new, bold, concept car models under the name Mega-Panda.  They are fun, colorful vehicles that offer a variety of rides.  Here's what we know:
  • 5 new models with wild styling
  • Includes pickup truck, camper, fastback sedan, city car and SUV
  • Production ready version to be unveiled in July 2024
  • All the vehicles are expected to be based on parent company Stellantis' Smart Car platform
  • All built on same philosophy - should never exist without fun
  • Employ the same technology:  a simple global platform where new models can be manufactured on a local relevance basis
  • Fiat is offering Mega-Pandas with different powertrains: electric, hybrid and combustion engine
  • Electric models have 200-mile range
  • First model to hit the market: the city car this summer
  • New line inspired by Fiat's Panda city car
  • Fiat is a global leader in compact car sales with 1.3 million sold in 2023, but has been struggling with North American sales
  • Looks like an eye-catching new lineup for Fiat; they hope some of the new models will catch interest in North America.
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