Butterfly – the Massive New Electric Plane Joins the eVTOL Family

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Dynamic demands of evolving personal mobility have seen the eVTOL industry flourish in recent years, with many different aviation startups competing to introduce their models to the market.

The aerospace company Overair has successfully built Butterfly- the world’s first eVTOL that utilizes Optimum Speed Tilt Rotor (OSTR) and Individual Blade Control (IBC) Technology. The aircraft reportedly features a “completely novel approach to aviation that unlocks a new standard in quietness, performance, and reliability,” according to the company.

According to Interesting Engineering, the new eVTOL’s OSTR technology adjusts propeller revolutions per minute (RPM) to enhance efficiency during the different flight phases and provides a 60 percent reduction in power demand during hover.  The IBC technology reduces vibration and propeller loads, improves safety, smooths ride quality, and decreases maintenance costs.

Together these two technologies establish an efficient, quiet, and reliable propulsion system that is capable of performing effectively in diverse weather conditions, temperatures, and altitudes.

The Butterfly has a maximum range of 161 km and a top speed of 322 kph. Another advantage is its capacity of five passengers as well as cargo, and its adaptable cabin design allows for a variety of applications such as charter, medical transport, and cargo.

It also stands out from other eVTOL models due to its large motors, a feature that is designed to generate higher thrust per kilowatt of power when compared to smaller rotors. The aircraft also exhibits the unique capability to hover with only two out of its four propellers, supported by architecture that ensures robustness and reliability.

The company has confirmed that flight testing for the Butterfly will start in early 2024.

This information was provided by Interesting Engineering.