Pegasus Universal Aerospace aims to make dreams of owning a small private jet into a reality.
Pegasus Aircraft has been working on creating an aircraft with drone-like capabilities for a long time now. It showcased a Vertical Business Jet (VBJ) concept in September, which could land on almost any surface ranging from runways to parking lots and concrete to glass.
The Pegasus Vertical Business Jet has separate engines for upward and forward thrust, ensuring VTOL capabilities. More specifically, the VBJ has four fans in its wings, providing the aircraft the necessary lift-off thrust. Once in the air, the double duct fans at the rear allow the plane to move forward.
Pegasus expects VBJ to be a perfect replacement for private jets and helicopters in the future. Specifically, the aircraft makes far less noise during takeoff than a helicopter while also burning roughly 309 liters of fuel per hour, nearly 60% less than a standard plane. The VBJ would have a top speed of 495 mph and carry a nine-member crew.
There is a fascinating thing regarding the range of the VBJ. According to Dr. Miza, Pegasus Aircraft’s founder, when it would use a conventional aircraft takeoff, it would have a range of 2,743 miles. However, when taking off or landing vertically, the range would be reduced to 1,320 miles.
That being said, Pegasus’ VBJ is still in development and might not hit production for a while. Still, seeing this kind of project seeing the light of day really demonstrates that eVTOLs are just around the corner.
To be continued…
Gallery
