Volocopter, the German developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, has received clearance to conduct flight demonstrations during the 2024 Paris Olympics, commencing from July 26.
The French government has approved the establishment of a dedicated takeoff and landing facility named Vertiport de Paris-Austerlitz exclusively for Volocopter’s electric aerial vehicles (EAVs).
Only Volocopter’s EAVs, including the VoloCity among its fleet, will be permitted to utilize the new vertiport and showcase their capabilities throughout the Paris Games. Flight operations will be scheduled between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., limited to two flights per hour and totaling up to 900 flights during the event.
The VoloCity, known for its previous flights in cities such as Las Vegas, Dallas, and Tampa, Florida, underwent rigorous testing at Tampa airport in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) late last year.
Powered by batteries, the VoloCity boasts speeds up to 68 mph and a maximum takeoff capacity of 2,000 pounds, equipped with redundant systems typical of eVTOLs to ensure operational safety.
Recently, the German Federal Aviation Office Luftfahrt-Bundesamt sanctioned Volocopter’s production plans for the VoloCity, approving the establishment of two new production and hangar facilities in Bruchsal, Germany. This authorization spans from prototyping to serial manufacturing of the innovative eVTOL aircraft.
