Overview
Aura Aerospace has developed a sustainable ultra-long-range aircraft, Ranger VTOL, which can fly farther than any typical airliner. The hybrid flying machine boasts roof-to-roof vertical takeoff and landing.
The science and other stuff to know
The Ranger VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) is among the latest futuristic aircraft concepts Aura Aerospace has developed and tested. What makes this aircraft stand out is its foldable wings that ease its vertical takeoffs and landings.
“By folding the wings vertically during hover, the moment of inertia is almost eliminated. This results in less load on the VTOL system, improved power efficiency in hover mode, as well as reduced ground effects affecting safe landing,” Aura Aerospace says on its website.
According to Aura, the Ranger has a cruise speed of 820 kilometers per hour (510 miles per hour). It can fly for an arduous 22 hours non-stop or 18,000 kilometers (11,185 miles) on a full tank of sustainable aviation fuel. In comparison, a conventional airliner can fly up to 14,800 kilometers (9,200 miles) while carrying passengers.
The Ranger also has a self-charging in-flight capability. And unlike purely electric aircraft, its jet engines are powered by Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). This makes the aircraft capable of charging its VTOL batteries while in flight.
So what?
This revolutionary aircraft brings convenience to long-distance flying. It’s capable of ultra-long-range intercontinental flights, and trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific crossings. Additionally, with SAF technology and other innovations, the aircraft has almost net-zero carbon footprint on the environment.
“The Aura Ranger is the perfect harmony of practical usability and sustainable design,” Aura claims.
What’s next?
Aura Aerospace is also developing other sustainable aircraft, such as the single-seater Guardian G1 VTOL. The company’s goal is to manufacture safe long-range aircraft that are extremely reliable, uses high-powered battery packs, and have zero impact on the environment.
