A new US Air Force-backed eVTOL debuted in May has racked up $265 million in orders to be delivered in 2021 – take a look at the Sabrewing Rhaegal

• A new hybrid-electric vertical take-off and land aircraft, or eVTOL, was announced in May with backing from the US Air Force and NASA.
• The Rhaegal from Sabrewing Aircraft Company promises to revolutionize regional air freight with a carrying capacity of up to 10,000 pounds and the ability to access remote locations. 
• Customers have already placed 65 orders totaling $265 million with the Air Force taking 30 for itself. 
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The coronavirus pandemic has not deterred America's desire for the next generation of air mobility, namely vertical take-off and land aircraft, or VTOLs. 

While the country was focused on stopping the spread of COVID-19, the US Air Force launched a new program at the end of April aimed at facilitating the development of VTOLs for commercial use. Agility Prime seeks to unite the industry with the hopes of spurring and speeding up the development of "advanced air mobility vehicles." 

During the launch event for the Air Force's program, one California-based start-up, Sabrewing Aircraft Company, debuted its hybrid-electric VTOL, or eVTOLs, to the public with an entry to service planned for 2022. Unlike many high-profile eVTOLs eyed for use by Uber and others, the Rhaegal-A eVTOL will fly cargo and aims to revolutionize delivery services. 

The Air Force is backing the program to the tune of $3.3 million and 30 orders while offering the use of Edwards Air Force Base in California for testing while NASA also granted the firm a contract for nearly $500,000 for wind tunnel testing. If its development and certification schedule proceeds on schedule, the craft could be delivering packages as early as 2022, with 65 pre-orders totaling $65 million. 

Take a closer look at the Rhaegal.

Rhaegal was unveiled to the public on May 1, three years after the launch of Sabrewing Aircraft Company.

Sabrewing Aircraft Company

Source: Aviation Today

The windowless craft will be tasked with flying cargo, not passengers, hence it's compact design. Packages don't need a view when they fly and don't mind occupying tight spaces, unlike passengers.

Sabrewing Aircraft Company

Source: Sabrewing Aircraft Company

Fully loaded, the eVTOL can carry a payload of 5,400 pounds when taking off vertically, which is expected at remote locations. Standard Amazon packages, for example, weigh less than 20 pounds allowing the Rhaegal to hold around 300 of them.

Sabrewing Aircraft Company

Source: Air Force Magazine and Amazon

See the rest of the story at Business Insider

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