The Skyfly Ax eVTOL is making great strides in its flight test program. Having gained approval for manned test flights from the UK Civil Aviation Authority, Axis SN001 has reached its first crucial milestone. This first test phase made it possible to optimize the performance of the device during vertical takeoffs and landingshovering and low-speed flight.

Promising tests under the direction of Michael Thompson

The flight tests were conducted by Skyfly CEO, Michael Thompson. The latter shared his enthusiasm regarding the progress of hovering tests:

“We are excited about how hover testing has evolved. It’s an exhilarating experience to feel this device rise with the gentle hum of electric motors, rather than the roar of a piston engine. The calm, gentle sound, combined with minimal vibration, makes flying incredibly reassuring. We particularly liked the forward visibility under the wing, which has been a concern for many. By installing a wide-angle, forward-facing camera, we have also significantly improved situational awareness. This is unprecedented in my flying experience. I look forward to seeing this aircraft advance toward flight very soon, reaching another major milestone.”

Towards flight forward: A new challenge

Having validated the hover phase, attention now turns to the next major milestone: testing the forward flight mode, including conventional takeoffs and landings on a runway. What sets the Ax apart is its unique use of mechanical control links between the joystick and pedals directly connected to the control surfaces, unlike a fly-by-wire flight system. This approach guarantees complete safety for the pilot in the event of a power failure, allowing the aircraft to hover and land safely.

An innovative transition between flight modes

Once the Axis has mastered forward flight, the third milestone will be to test the in-flight transition between the two flight modes. This will involve switching from fixed-wing flight to hovering, and vice-versa. This ability to perform vertical takeoffs and landingswhile offering the efficiency and speed of a conventional fixed-wing aircraft, represents a key advantage over previous generations of light aircraft.

A promising future for green aviation

In addition to its performance, the Ax stands out for several characteristics:

• Significantly reduced costs
• Reduced noise and environmental footprint
• Multiple layers of security redundancy

These elements make the Ax an attractive alternative to traditional helicopters, providing a safer and more sustainable solution for urban aviation. As the world moves towards greener transportation solutions, Skyfly’s eVTOL Axis is positioning itself as a key player in this revolution.

The Skyfly Ax eVTOL is not only redefining the standards of modern aviation, it is also paving the way for a future where urban air mobility becomes an accessible and sustainable reality. With promising testing and constant innovation, Skyfly is well on its way to transforming the way we travel in the skies.