Smolensk Joint Development eVTOL

Smolensk eVTOL
Russian Modern Aviation Technologies Design Bureau, Tactical Missile Armament Corporation, and Smolensk Aviation Plant
Russia
(no website)

The Smolensk eVTOL is an unnamed eVTOL(electric vertical takeoff and landing) displayed at the MAKS-2021 International Aviation and Space exhibit in Zhukovskiy, Russia. The aircraft is being developed by the Russian Modern Aviation Technologies Design Bureau, Tactical Missile Armament Corporation, and Smolensk Aviation Plant.

The aircraft will have the ability to fly uncrewed, and will be primarily utilized for cargo and passenger transport. The vehicle was specifically designed for operation in urban environments for AAM missions, and was chosen for display at the exhibit for its potential for use on such missions. According to information presented at the exhibit, the aircraft is capable of speeds up to  280km/h (112mp/h) at a maximum range of 90km. The aircraft is also capable of autonomous flight in hazardous weather conditions, and retains the ability to hover in the event of a single engine failure.

While few development details have been revealed at the time as of November 2021, a subscale model of the aircraft present at the exhibit gives some insight into the configuration of the aircraft.

Specifications:

• Aircraft type: eVTOL passenger/cargo aircraft
• Cruise speed: 280 km/h (112 mph)
• Range: 90 km (56 m)
• Rate of climb: 8 m/s (26ft)
• Flight Time: 50 minutes
• Propellers: 10 propellers
• Wings: Tandem wings, the rear wing has winglets
• Tail: 1 vertical tail stabilizer
• Landing gear: Fixed wheeled tricycle landing gear
• Safety Features: Hovering capability maintained in case of a single engine failure.

Resources:

• Smolensk Aviation Plant website
• MAKS website
• Article: Unmanned Cargo and Passenger Aircraft For Vertical Take-Off and Landing of Urban Air Mobility (Air Taxi), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Magazine, Apr. 8, 2021