eVTOL

eVTOL

Concept :

• The Government of India is exploring the possibility of inviting manufacturers of Electric Vertical Take off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft to set up base in India.
• As the acronym suggests, an electric vertical take­off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is one that uses electric power to hover, take off, and land vertically. Most eVTOLs also use what is called as distributed electric propulsion technology which means integrating a complex propulsion system with the airframe.
• This is technology that has grown on account of successes in electric propulsion based on progress in motor, battery, fuel cell and electronic controller technologies and also fuelled by the need for new vehicle technology that ensures urban air mobility (UAM).
• There is general agreement that the eVTOL world is moving forward based on the spark provided by NASA researcher Mark D. Moore came up with the concept of a personal (one man) air vehicle, called ‘Puffin’.
• eVTOLs are noise free, have a zero carbon footprint and are more affordable.
• The global market for eVTOLs was put at $8.5 million in 2021 and is to grow to $30.8 million by 2030.
• The demand will be on account of green energy and noise ­free aircraft, cargo carrying concepts and the need for new modes of transport.