Weslax Proof of Concept

Proof of Concept
Weslax GmbH
Duesseldorf, Germany
www.weslax.com

Based in Germany, Weslax is in the business of building hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft for Urban Air Mobility (UAM), Regional Air Mobility (RAM) and for air cargo. The company has successfully flown a full scale proof of concept aircraft on October, 26, 2020 in Germany. The historic crewed flight was about six minutes long, providing real world evidence their one passenger hybrid-electric multicopter aircraft can fly.

The Weslax Proof of Concept aircraft is a one passenger open framed multicopter which has 16 propellers, 16 electric motors and uses a gas engine to generate the electricity for the electric motors and navigation systems. Its cruise speed, range and flight time is unknown. While the technology demonstrator has the propellers surrounding the base of the aircraft, the HySky production model will have its propellers surrounding the top of the aircraft.

During the first flight, the pilot stated, "It turned out to be a fantastic experience that everyone should be able to try. Being able to move through the air so effortlessly without vibrations or noise, it just felt so great. After months of careful planning, designing, programming and building we had this beautifully hybrid flying machine which was the first step leading to something even greater: Bringing the personal flight to everyone."

The test was used to verify the controllability of the aircraft, transition flight and how the aircraft performs during banked turns in transition flight. Weslax has stated this aircraft is very safe and has several algorithms to deal with flight threats. The power required to fly the aircraft is provided by a hybrid power-train with gasoline fuel engine which also charges the on board batteries during flight. The company's commercial prototype, the HySky, is under construction.

Specifications:

• Aircraft type: Hybrid-electric VTOL proof of concept aircraft
• Piloting: 1 person
• Capacity: 1 passenger
• Cruise speed: Unknown
• Propellers: 16 propellers
• Electric Motors: 16 electric motors
• Power source: Hybrid-electric
• Fuselage: Open framework
• Windows: Open cockpit
• Landing gear: 4 fixed strut landing gear
• Safety Features: Distributed Electric Propulsion (DEP), provides safety through redundancy for its passengers and/or cargo. DEP means having multiple propellers and motors on the aircraft so if one or more motors or propellers fail, the other working motors and propellers can safely land the aircraft.

Resources:

• Weslax website  
• Article: First Test flight of HySky, Weslax GmbH, Oct. 26, 2020
• Video: Manned hybrid flying VTOL - proof of concept hybrid passenger aircraft, Weslax GmbH, Apr. 12, 2021