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Europe's largest electric aircraft takes flight
10 Feb
Summary
- A 2.7-tonne electric vertical takeoff aircraft prototype named Romeo was tested.
- The aircraft is designed for heavy-lift missions like patient transfers.
- ERC System aims to market the eVTOL by 2031 with a 500 kg payload.
Munich-based startup ERC System has successfully tested Romeo, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This prototype, weighing 2.7 tonnes and boasting a 16-meter wingspan, is designed for demanding heavy-lift operations, including emergency medical transport.
The aircraft completed its initial public demonstration at the Erding military airfield near Munich. ERC System's chief commercial officer confirmed the successful liftoff of the substantial weight, a key step towards achieving the required payload capacity for its intended missions.
Romeo can operate autonomously or with a pilot onboard. While it has space for six passengers, it flew empty during its demonstration for safety. The company is targeting a market launch in 2031, with an anticipated payload capability of around 500 kilograms.
Despite financial challenges in the eVTOL sector, ERC System reports being well-funded, with substantial investment from its parent company, IABG. Future customer DRF Luftrettung is supporting development, anticipating cost and time savings for inter-hospital patient transfers.
