AIR, an advanced air mobility startup working on a two-seater eVTOL aircraft, announced on December 20, 2023, that it is moving onto the next stage of the United States Air Force AFWERX Agility Prime Program.
Through this program, the US Air Force collaborates with private startups developing advanced air mobility solutions that could have military applications.
In particular, AIR’s work within AFWERX responds to what the military calls “Area of Interest (AOI) 2”, which is the request for an eVTOL aircraft capable of carrying one to two people more than 10 miles at a speed of at least 45 miles per hour (72.4 km/h) .
The startup, which has a presence in the US and Israel, is working on an eVTOL aircraft called AIR ONE. Originally designed for private users in the civilian market, AIR ONE is an all-electric battery-powered two-seater eVTOL capable of speeds of up to 155 miles per hour (250 km/h). Unlike other models in this category that have opted for tilt-rotor technology, AIR ONE uses eight fixed motors, a simpler solution that the firm’s founders expect will significantly lower costs.
AIR is currently looking for locations in the US to continue the testing program of its prototype ahead of certification. The company claims to have 800 pre-orders for AIR ONE aircraft.