Technological advances in the aeronautical industry are bringing us closer to a new mobility scenario. Small aircraft used to transport passengers, the so-called air taxis, are increasingly closer to becoming a real alternative to traditional means of moving around urban environments.
Crisalion, a company with 100% Spanish capital, is developing an air taxi with capacity for five passengers. The prototype of this flying device is on display at Mobility City Zaragoza and consists of a light, electric-powered aircraft that will be able to transport up to five people at a distance of 130 kilometers and a maximum speed of 180 kilometers per hour.
The aircraft designed by Crisalion (previously called Umiles Next) is called Integrity. It has been developed together with Tecnalia, the largest technology center in Spain, and is an evolution of two previous prototypes that in recent years have been flying successfully in different places in European airspace.
The Integrity is an aircraft that uses eVTOL technology, that is, vertical takeoff and landing, like a helicopter, although it flies more efficiently and quietly like an airplane. A set of 16 electric motors distributed in four propulsion units drives the ship to a maximum speed of 180 km/h with a flight range of 130 kilometers.
The device has been designed to transport five passengers – in addition to the pilot – as if it were a private jet, although with much more competitive prices. Carlos Poveda, general director of Crisalion, points out that the price per ticket could range between 1.50 and 3 euros per kilometer, an amount that would allow “democratizing the air,” as he acknowledged in statements reported by Europa Press. The rates will depend on the price to pay for using the vertiports – drone airports – and the rates of the new air control corridors.
Despite its functionality, since it is focused on short-range journeys, the Integrity has a design where glamor and luxury are spared so that its occupants can enjoy a trip without annoying noises, eliminating the need to wear helmets such as in helicopters, and allowing a more comfortable and pleasant flight experience. The finishes of the ship are futuristic, highlighting its large windows to enjoy the views.
The absence of noise will allow passengers to chat or connect their laptop to work on the way to the office or the airport. The fact that the 16 motors that equip the Integrity are independent allows the thrust of each of them to be directed in any direction to compensate for the gusts of air that normally shake eVTOLs of these characteristics. Therefore, the ship will be able to operate in turbulent environments without passengers noticing.
The Integrity, which will fly at an altitude of between 300 and 350 meters, is designed for both intra-urban and inter-urban transport. Crisalion has been working with the Government of the Balearic Islands for some time and has a short-range jet company that operates in this archipelago with private planes. Likewise, it is worth noting that Crisalion is also developing another version of the Integrity. It will have a larger door designed for the transport of goods or for emergencies.
In addition to the technological challenge of successfully passing the long period of tests required by the Security Agency to fly and achieving the final certification to do so, Crisalion faces another no less important challenge: the economic one. The project has so far raised between 22 and 25 million euros, 100% Spanish capital, and needs around 450, according to Europa Press. Between 85 and 90% of the investment goes to the aerial part and the rest to the ground part.
