The Volocopter drone taxi is one step closer to becoming operational. The VoloConnect, a four-seat electric VTOL aircraft, completed its first flight in May, according to the German company.
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The initial trip of the machine was only two minutes and 14 seconds long, but the maneuvers demonstrated that the production-level aerodynamics and performance held up in real-world conditions. So far, three flights have occurred.
The 60-mile range and 155-mph flight speed may not appear to be impressive. They do, however, promise autonomous commuter flights outside of major urban areas — you could fly to a business meeting from the suburbs.
The VoloConnect is essentially a companion to the VoloCity, a shorter-ranged eVTOL flier designed solely for city trips.
The VoloConnect is expected to begin serving customers in 2026, two years after the VoloCity’s projected 2024 launch. While that is still a long way off, Volocopter is unique in that it has multiple air taxis performing real-world flight tests.
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The company is more closely aligned with actual commuter trips than competitors, many of whom have a single model or an indefinite timeline for service.
