NEO Aeronautics to trial personal air vehicles in Utah

State will provide infrastructure, contacts to develop urban air mobility (UAM).

The Division of Aeronautics, Department of Transportation for the State of Utah (UDOT) is connecting Singapore-based NEO Aeronautics with government and private industry partners to develop and deploy urban air mobility (UAM) in Utah.

The Division of Aeronautics has a strategic initiative to make UAM a reality through the development of a state supported UAM infrastructure system, which includes testing aerial taxis and personal aerial vehicles (PAV) in current and future flight corridors in urban and rural airspace.

Utah's UAM initiative is aligned with NEO Aeronautics’ vision of developing UAM communities through the deployment of safe, reliable, and affordable PAVs.

"Urban Air Mobility is an exciting evolution in the development of Keeping Utah Moving. UDOT is a leader in transportation innovations and this is no exception," said Jared Esselman C.M., Director of Aeronautics of the State of Utah.

The collaboration includes facilitation with necessary partners that will assist with:

• Testing and certification of Crimson S8 PAV (scheduled in Q2 2020)

• Sites identification and deployment of Crimson S8 PAV (scheduled in Q4 2020)

"NEO Aeronautics is privileged to collaborate with Utah for the flight test certification and the potential deployment of the Crimson S8 PAV," said Mr Kok-Beng NEO Aeronautics’ CEO and founder. "The Crimson S8 conforms to FAA Part 103 category [Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 103 includes powered ultralights weighing less than 254 lb empty, with 55kts top speed, fuel capacity not to exceed 5 U.S. gal.; pilots don’t require a certificate or medical qualification], allowing the development of UAM communities as minimal training is required to operate the PAV. In addition, we are committed to contribute to the community through our social mission of reaching out to youth based on our STEM outreach program."

Crimson S8 production model specification sheet

Classification: Single-person electric vertical take-off & landing (eVTOL)

Certification: FAA Part 103 - Ultralight

Configuration: X8 coaxial propulsion

Aircraft dimensions: 2.8m x 2.75m x 1.6m (9.2ft x 9ft x 5.25ft)

Curb weight: 115kg (254lb)

Max. take-off weight: 215kg (474lb)

Max. payload: 100kg (220lb)

Max. airspeed: 80kph (50mph)

Flight altitude: 15m (50ft)

Flight endurance: 15mins with 20km (12.5mi) range

Control: 3-axis joystick control with Precision Altitude Control System (PACS*)

Emergency Landing System (ELS*)

Proximity detection & avoidance system

Active geo-fencing flight plan

*Patent pending