Velo X Aerospace Velocitor X-1 (concept design)

(Image credit: Velo X Aerospace)

Velocitor X-1 (concept design)
Velo X Aerospace
Hastings, Michigan, USA
www.veloxaerospace.com

Founded in 2023 by Jeff Williams and Galen Geigley in Hastings, Michigan, USA, Velo X Aerospace is in the business of designing and building a safe, efficient and sustainable one passenger personal use electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) multicopter aircraft made for advanced air mobility (AAM). The founders have another company they started in 2005 called Soaring Concepts Aerospace www.soaringconceptsaerospace.com and backs Velo X Aerospace. Soaring Concepts Aerospace is a light sport aircraft company that already manufacturers and certifies light sport aircraft. The company has successfully secured their first round of funding. If you’re an investor, stay in contact with the company for future opportunities to get involved.

The Velocitor X-1 passenger eVTOL multicopter concept design aircraft
The Velocitor X-1 is a passenger eVTOL multicopter concept design aircraft made for personal use. The multicopter aircraft is piloted with manual piloting as well with an automatic takeoff and landing capability. The cockpit has front and rear windows and the sides of the cockpit are open with no doors. Hovering is easy due to GPS position sources, the pilot simply needs to release the controls and the aircraft will maintain its position.

The cruise speed is anticipated at 70 mph (113 km/h) and has an estimated range of 60 m (97 km). The range of the multicopter depends upon the speed of the aircraft, weather conditions, altitude and other factors. The projected flight time is 45 minutes with a 15 minute reserve. The empty weight of the aircraft is calculated to be 500 lb (227 kg), with a predicted maximum payload weight of 260 lb (118 kg) and has a foreseen maximum takeoff weight of 760 lb (345 kg)

The aircraft has eight propellers, eight electric motors and uses batteries as its power source. The company expects the multicopter can be charged up to 80% in less than one hour using existing automobile charging solutions. The company estimated that charging with household current will take 8-10 hours. The cockpit has an ultra-strong composite seat and a 4-point harness to provide a high level of safety and security. The fuselage will be made from carbon fiber composite for a high strength to low weight ratio. The aircraft has fixed skid landing gear.

Safety features of the multicopter include Distributed Electric Propulsion (DEP). DEP means having multiple propellers, each powered by electric motors, to increase safety through redundancy. If one or more components of the propulsion system fails, the remaining ones can still ensure a safe landing. 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.

The aircraft has a LIDAR obstacle warning and avoidance system (LOWAS) for safe avoidance of obstacles such as power lines, trees and structures. The aircraft has no moving surfaces or tilting parts when transitioning from vertical to forward flight and the reverse which increases safety by reducing complexity. There is a whole aircraft emergency ballistic parachute in case of an unexpected inflight emergency.

Future Developments
Representatives of the company have stated they are currently flying their first prototype aircraft. The company expects the Velocitor X-1 to be certified (Part 103) and the first deliveries of their aircraft to customers will begin in 2026. The estimated price of the aircraft as of October 2024 is $150,000.00 USD.

Specifications:

• Aircraft type: Passenger eVTOL multicopter concept design aircraft
• Piloting: Manual piloting with an auto take-off and landing capability
• Capacity: 1 person
• Cruise speed: 70 mph (113 km/h)
• Range (estimated): 60 m (97 km). The range of the multicopter depends upon the speed of the aircraft, weather conditions, altitude and other factors.
• Flight time: 45 minutes (with a 15 minute reserve)
• Empty weight: 500 lb (227 kg)
• Maximum payload weight: 260 lb (118 kg)
• Maximum takeoff weight: 760 lb (345 kg)
• Propellers: 8 propellers
• Electric motors: 8 electric motors
• Power source: Batteries
• Fuselage: Carbon fiber composite
• Cockpit: Has front and rear windows with no doors. Uses an ultra-strong composite seat and a 4-point harness to provide a high level of safety and security.
• Windows: Front and rear windshield with open sides
• Landing gear: Fixed skid landing gear
• Safety features: Distributed Electric Propulsion (DEP) uses multiple propellers or electric ducted fans, each powered by electric motors, to enhance safety through redundancy. If one or more components fail, the remaining ones can still ensure a safe landing. 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. The aircraft has a LIDAR obstacle warning and avoidance system (LOWAS) for safe avoidance of obstacles such as power lines, trees and structures. The aircraft has no moving surfaces or tilting parts when transitioning from vertical to forward flight and the reverse which increases safety by reducing complexity. There is a whole aircraft emergency ballistic parachute in case of an unexpected inflight emergency.

Company Insights:

• Bizapedia

Resources:

• Velo X Aerospace website
• Velo X Aerospace Facebook
• Article: A Multicopter Current Pilots Might Enjoy? …Developed Within Our LSA Industry, ByDanJohnson.com, Oct. 16, 2024