Helix (electric aircraft)

2024: Start of Sales

In early January 2024 American startup Pivotal , he began selling the Helix electric aircraft. This aircraft is unique in that it does not require a pilot's license. This feature opens the sky to a large number of potential pilots.

Helix belongs to the eVTOL category - these are compact aircraft with vertical take-off and landing on electric traction. In this case, the car can take on board only one person. Moreover, there are restrictions on the weight and height of the pilot - no more than 100 kg and no more than 193 cm.

Helix

The Helix design provides for the use of two beams - one at the front and the back. Four electric screws are installed on them. Control is carried out by changing the rotation speed of each of these screws, as well as by the presence of four ailerons. The weight of the aircraft itself is about 150 kg. Power is provided by an 8 kVt·ch battery pack. The claimed range is about 30 km with a battery energy reserve of 20%. It takes about 75 minutes to replenish the energy reserve from 20% to 100%. The maximum flight speed reaches 100 km/h.

In order to ensure security, the so-called "triple modular redundancy" is implemented. If one of the eight screws fails, the system will stop the opposite rotor and the vehicle will continue flying on six screws. In case of failure of all systems, there is a spare parachute. A special van serves to transport the Helix. Preparations for the flight take 30 minutes.

Although a pilot's license is not required for the novelty, there are restrictions: it is forbidden to fly in the rain, near places of crowds of people and near airports. As of the beginning of January 2024, the price is approximately $190 thousand.^[1]

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