UDX Research Airwolf (concept design)

(Image credit: UDX Research)

Airwolf (concept design)
UDX Research s.r.o.
Prague,Czech Republic
www.udx.aero

Founded in 2020 in the Prague, Czech Republic, UDX Research s.r.o. is in the business of designing and manufacturing passenger electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) hoverbike aircraft for advanced air mobility (AAM). UDX Research is an ESA BIC and EIT-backed eVTOL startup. The company aims to sell their aircraft to recreational users in remote locations, emergency and rescue services and urban commuters.

Airwolf passenger eVTOL concept design hoverbike
Airwolf is a futuristic looking two passenger eVTOL concept design hoverbike with tandem wings. The aircraft has an open cockpit with front windscreen, both similar to a motorcycle, and can hold one pilot and one passenger. The company has built and successfully flown a 1/3 scale remote controlled eVTOL prototype drone that looks very similar to their planned production model.

The maximum cruise speed of the hoverbike is expected to be 230 km/h (143 mph) with an acceleration rate of 0-100 km/h in 3 seconds (0-62 mph in 3 seconds). The estimated range of the aircraft is up to 66 km (41 m) and has a forecasted flight time of about 25 minutes. The aircraft has four independent tilting electric ducted fans (EDFs), four electric motors and is powered by battery packs. The EDFs are 3D-printed by the Italian component manufacturer VasyFan. The battery packs are planned to be purchased from Tesla. The electric components will be produced by the Czech company, MGM Compro.

The aircraft has tandem wings which generate about 50% of the lift to keep the hoverbike in the air. The aircraft will be made from carbon fiber composite for a high strength to low weight ratio. The width of the aircraft is calculated to be 4.55 m (14 ft, 11.25 in) and the length is 3.2 m (10 ft, 6 in). The airframe will be manufactured in-house by UDX Research. The empty weight of the aircraft is approximately 290 kg (639 lb) and has a maximum payload weight of 150 kg (330 lb) and has a maximum takeoff weight of 440 kg (969 lb). The aircraft lands on the bottom of its fuselage.

Some of the safety features include distributed electric propulsion (DEP) which means if one propeller fails, the other propellers can safely land the aircraft. There are also redundancies of critical components in the sub-systems of the aircraft providing safety through redundancy. Having multiple redundant systems on any aircraft decreases having any single point of failure.

Flying the Airwolf
To fly the Airwolf in Europe, a person will need an Ultralight Pilot Permit, additional flight training and will need to take several tests. In the USA, a person will need a Sport Pilot Certificate, additional flight training and will need to take several tests.

Sales Price
On UDX's website, the sales price is projected to be €350,000.00 (EUR) or $382,819.00 (USD).

Future
If all goes well, the Airwolf should be commercially available by 2028.

Specifications:

• Aircraft type: Passenger eVTOL concept design hoverbike
• Piloting: 1 pilot
• Capacity: 1 passenger
• Maximum cruise speed: 230 km/h (143 mph)
• Acceleration: 0-100 km/h: 3 seconds (0-62 mph: 3 seconds)
• Range: Up to 66 km (41 m)
• Flight time: ~25 minutes
• Empty weight: 290 kg (639 lb)
• Maximum payload weight: 150 kg (330 lb)
• Maximum takeoff weight: 440 kg (969 lb)
• Propellers: 4 electric ducted fans (EDFs)
• Electric motors: 4 electric motors
• Power source: Battery packs
• Fuselage: Carbon fiber composite
• Flight width: 4.55 m (14 ft, 11.25 in)
• Transport width: 2.45 m (8 ft, 1/2 in)
• Length: 3.2 m (10 ft, 6 in)
• Window: Open cockpit
• Wings: Tandem wings
• Landing gear: Lands on the bottom of its fuselage
• Safety features: Distributed electric propulsion (DEP) means having multiple propellers (or electric ducted fans) and multiple electric motors on an aircraft so if one or more propellers (or electric ducted fans) or some electric motors fail, the other working propellers (or electric ducted fans) and electric motors can safely land the aircraft. There are also redundancies of critical components in the sub-systems of the aircraft providing safety through redundancy. Having multiple redundant systems on any aircraft decreases having any single point of failure.

Company Insights:

• F6S
• Pitchbook
• Tracxn

Resources:

• UDX Research website
• UDX Research Facebook
• UDX Research Instagram
• UDX Research LinkedIn
• Video: Airwolf scale prototype test flight, udx_research, May 6, 2023
• Video: UDX AIRWOLF hoverbike official teaser, udx_research, June 5, 2022
• Article: Cruise-capable eVTOL flying motorcycle rocks tilting thrusters, New Atlas, May 30, 2024
• Article: Sky's the Limit, Wallet in Peril: UDX Airwolf - The Electric Hoverbike, Captain Electro, May 31, 2024
• Article: This Bonkers Flying Motorbike Can Soar to 60 MPH in 3 Seconds, Robb Report, May 29, 2024
• Article: UDX Unveils the Futuristic Airwolf eVTOL Hoverbike, Stupid Dope, June 3, 2024
• Article: Ready to unleash your inner maverick with thrilling Airwolf hoverbike, Fox News, June 20, 2024