Ray Research Dart Flyer

Dart Flyer
Ray Research AG
Muttenz, Switzerland
www.DartFlyer.com and www.RayAircraft.com

Ray Research AG is a Swiss-based engineering company, with an international team of engineers and scientists, founded in 2009 and led by David Posva. It develops high tech solutions with a main focus on disruptive vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. Its flagship development is the Ray VTOL Aircraft, a 5-seater long range VIP VTOL aircraft.

On June 4, 2018, the company revealed that it had designed a compact single-person aircraft, the Dart Flyer, for the GoFly competition. GoFly is a Boeing-sponsored competition pushing the boundaries of innovation, engineering, and transportation to create a personal flying device for anyone, anywhere.

With a wingspan of 2.4 m (7.9 ft) and a length of 2.0 m (6.6 ft), the Dart uses a hybrid propulsion system with four electric motors and a combustion engine.

The company stated in their press release that: "To achieve maximum safety the Dart will use the patent-pending fail-safe electric propulsion system, that Ray Research AG has developed for the long-range VIP Ray aircraft. The pilot will enjoy a maximum freedom adventure when flying headfirst powered by the four electric fans!"

According to their website, "It guarantees that each of the 4 motors provides at least 75% power, even after any kind of failure." Ray also notes that, "In addition to computer simulations we also use UAVs for small scaled prototypes of our manned aircraft designs. The main purpose of the scaled models is to gather real-world experience in controlling the crucial transitions between hover and cruise modes."

Company Insights:

• Pitchbook
• Crunchbase
• MarketWatch

Resources:

• Ray Research Dart Flyer website
• Ray Research AG website
• Article: "The head-first VTOL personal aircraft concept not for the faint of heart," New Atlas, June 7, 2018