Stirling Dynamics, part of global engineering, technology and consultancy service provider Expleo, is partnering with leading Japanese eVTOL specialist, SkyDrive Inc, on its zero-emission air-taxi, the SKYDRIVE SD-05.
Stirling Dynamics’ UK-based team of engineers will design the pilot control stick for SkyDrive’s next generation electric flying vehicle, which uses eVTOL technology that allows it to take off and land vertically at vertiports or on rooftops, making it especially suited to congested urban spaces.
With a range of 15 to 40 km, a maximum cruising airspeed of 100km/h and space for a pilot and two passengers, the SD-05 positions SkyDrive at the forefront of a once-in-a-century mobility revolution that will see air-taxis fulfil daily mobility needs.
This partnership represents a significant collaboration between two leaders in the aerospace field, with Stirling Dynamics providing their much sought-after expertise in pilot controls that has seen it become a partner of choice for several innovators in the sector over the last twenty years. Stirling’s partnership with SkyDrive represents the second airworthy pilot inceptor programme it has undertaken and is a significant step-forward in bringing innovative, pilot-centric solutions to the eVTOL sector.
Jeff Hoyle, MD Expleo UK & NA and MD Stirling Dynamics said: “This partnership marks a significant step forward in Stirling Dynamics and SkyDrive’s shared commitment to developing advanced air mobility solutions that fuse user-focused design with high-quality solutions to set new standards in safety, performance and responsiveness for the eVTOL sector.”
Bandula Pathinayake, Vice President, Stirling Dynamics, added: “SkyDrive envisions a future where sky roads become a reality, making advanced urban air travel an efficient and sustainable option that is accessible to all. We are proud to support SkyDrive with the design, development, certification, and manufacture of the pilot control stick for the SD-05 model, a zero-emission flying vehicle.”
SkyDrive is currently working with civil aviation authority in Japan to complete its certification plan and is also talking with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to bring its certification goals in Japan and the US closer together.
Arnaud Coville, Chief Development Officer of Sky Drive, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with Stirling Dynamics to develop a pilot stick tailored for our eVTOL aircraft. As we pioneer the future of urban air mobility, having a partner with deep expertise in control inceptors and human-machine interaction is critical. Together, we are setting new standards in eVTOL cockpit design and redefining what it means to fly in the next generation of electric aircraft.”
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