Umiles Next New Concept (prototype)

New Concept (prototype)
Umiles Next (formerly Tecnalia)
San Sebastián, Spain
www.umilesnext.com

Umiles Group was founded in San Sebastián, Spain in 2016 and became a leading company in unmanned aerial systems. The company offers custom services for national and international customers. In 2019, Tecnalia's research and technological development center has what is says is the first passenger prototype air taxi in Spain took place in an indoor stadium.

In 2020, Umiles Next was formed. The company's goal is to be a world leader in advanced, efficient and sustainable mobility for both eVTOL passenger aircraft for advanced aerial mobility (AAM) and ground transportation to improve people's lives. The company's goals are to provide an aircraft that is made with passenger comfort and the use of sustainable materials.

In 2019, Tecnalia's research and technological development center has what is says is the first air taxi in Spain. A full-scale one passenger electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) prototype has already flown (tethered).

While the current full-scale prototype has been made for one passenger traveling at 90 km/h (56 mph) for a range of 15 km (9 miles), Tecnalia says the aircraft can be scaled up for a four passenger aircraft at a speed of 190 km/h (118 mph). The aircraft propulsion is made by having four sets of propellers powered by electric motors which are located on the four corners of the aircraft. Each propeller has its own electric engine which makes for a total of sixteen propellers and sixteen electric motors. The pictures below illustrate this.

As each set of propellers can be independently controlled and due to advanced electronic controllers, these drone like propellers provides the aircraft with stability, efficiency, precision and controlability allowing the passenger to have as a comfortable ride as traveling in a car. In addition, Tecnalia's controller technology will allow precision landing and take-offs, such as to and from a parking space and will be able to navigate the aircraft smoothly through strong wind and rain.

The company plans for the aircraft to be able to interact with mobile phones, have plenty of space to move around and provide the passenger with a high tech experience for the urban traveler. The passenger will enter and exit easily from the rear of the aircraft.

Tecnalia sees the first uses of this aircraft to be a shared service for air taxi and cargo services. The company is predicting they'll have their aircraft in service by 2005.

Specifications:

• Piloting: Autonomous eVTOL prototype passenger aircraft
• Passengers: 1 passenger
• Possible future passengers: 4
• Speed: 90 km/h (56 mph)
• Possible future speed: 190 km/h (118 mph)
• Range: 15 km (9 miles)
• Duration: 15 minutes
• Maximum altitude: 300 m (984 ft)

Company Insights:

• Tracxn

Resources:

• Umiles Next website
• Umiles Group website
• Tecnalia website
• Umiles Group Facebook
• Umiles Group Twitter
• Umiles Group YouTube Channel
• Umiles Group Instagram
• Umiles Group LinkedIn
• Press Release: TECNALIA DEVELOPS THE FIRST AIR TAXI FOR PILOT-LESS CITY TRANSPORT, Technalia, July 11, 2019
• Article: Tecnalia presents the first prototype of aerotaxi without driver developed in the State, Deia, July 15, 2019
• Article: Tecnalia develops the first aerotaxi of the State to move around the city autonomously, Eldiario Norte, July 15, 2019
• Video: TECNALIA desarrolla el primer aerotaxi para desplazarse en las ciudades de forma autónoma, Technalia, July 15, 2019
• Video: Tecnalia develops the first aerotaxi to move in the cities, ABC Spain, July 15, 2019
• Article: Urban Air Mobility flight trials will be staged in Toulouse and Bordeaux, Future Flight, Mar. 25, 2021
• Article: Umiles presents the first Spanish air taxi for autonomous travel in cities, Today in 24, Oct. 26, 2021