Craft Aerospace VTOL Aircraft: Revolutionizing Air Travel

The Future of Regional Air Travel: Craft Aerospace's Innovative Approach

While fully realized air taxis remain a future aspiration, significant advancements are being made to revolutionize the air travel sector. Craft Aerospace, backed by $3.5 million in funding, is pioneering a novel vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft designed to streamline, accelerate, and enhance the sustainability of city-to-city travel.

A New VTOL Technique for Enhanced Control

Currently in the small-scale prototype phase, the aircraft employs a unique VTOL methodology. Instead of rotating engines for lift, it redirects airflow using flaps, resulting in a more stable and manageable flight experience. This contrasts with designs like the Osprey, known for inherent instability.

Co-founder James Dorris posits that this stable and rapid VTOL technology is pivotal for unlocking a new era of regional air travel. The vision involves utilizing smaller airports or even heliports, bypassing the congestion of major transportation hubs.

Addressing Inefficiencies in Short-Distance Flights

Dorris highlights the inefficiencies of air travel for distances under an hour, where significant time is consumed by security procedures, gate access, and travel to and from distant major airports. “The key to shortening that delay is picking people up in cities and dropping them off in cities,” he explained to TechCrunch.

The company aims to integrate the benefits of both fixed-wing aircraft and VTOL capabilities for these shorter routes.

The "Blown Wing" or "Deflected Slipstream" Concept

Craft Aerospace’s approach centers around a technique known as a “blown wing” or “deflected slipstream.” The design, reminiscent of vintage science fiction illustrations, features an unusual geometry and multiple rotors, all serving a specific purpose.

The principle of a blown wing has been previously explored, but never implemented in a production aircraft. Robust flaps are positioned directly behind the engine thrust, tilting downward into the exhaust stream to generate upward lift. Once sufficient airspeed is achieved, the flaps retract, allowing the engines to function normally for conventional flight.

Image Credits: Craf Aerospace. During takeoff, thrust is redirected downward by extending flaps.

Redundancy and Stability Through Innovative Design

The multiple rotors provide redundancy and enable precise thrust adjustments across the four “half-wings.” The aircraft’s box wing shape, while previously tested in drones, has not proven a viable alternative to traditional swept wings. However, Craft Aerospace believes it offers significant advantages in stability and control during takeoff and landing.

Image Credits: Craf Aerospace. During flight, the flaps retract and thrust pushes the plane forward as normal.

“Our tech is a combination of both existing and novel tech,” Dorris stated. “The box wing has been built and flown; the high flap aircraft has been built and flown. They’ve never been synthesized like this in a VTOL aircraft.”

Prototype Development and Future Plans

The company has successfully demonstrated a scaled-down model validating the core principle. A full-scale aircraft is still several years away, but collaborative partnerships are expected to accelerate development.

The fifth-generation prototype, approximately coffee table-sized, demonstrates the blown wing principle. The sixth prototype, slated for flight within months, will incorporate transitioning flaps. (Video footage of the prototype’s tethered indoor hovering has been demonstrated but is not publicly available.)

Aircraft Specifications and Potential Routes

The final aircraft design is still evolving, but key parameters are established. It will accommodate nine passengers and two pilots, cruising at approximately 300 knots (345 mph) at an altitude of around 30,000 feet.

While slower than conventional jets, the time saved by bypassing major airports is expected to offset this difference. The hybrid gas-electric engines will provide a range of approximately 1,000 miles, offering flexibility and safety margins. This range covers 45 of the world’s 50 busiest air routes, including Los Angeles to San Francisco, Seoul to Jeju Island, and Tokyo to Osaka.

Image Credits: Craft Aerospace. A conceptual high-volume waterfront vertiport and aircraft on approach for landing

Focus on City-to-City Connectivity

Dorris emphasizes a focus on “Hollywood to North Beach” rather than “LAX to SFO,” highlighting the potential for VTOL aircraft to land in smaller, more convenient locations. Regulatory approval and adherence to existing FAA rules are anticipated.

A Team with Diverse Expertise

The Craft Aerospace team brings extensive experience in advanced transportation systems. Dorris previously worked on Virgin Hyperloop’s propulsion system, while co-founder Axel Radermacher contributed to Karma Automotive’s drivetrain. The team views their lack of traditional aerospace background as an advantage.

“You’ve seen what’s come out of traditional aerospace over the last 10, 20 years,” Dorris noted, suggesting a need for innovation. He also pointed out the challenges faced by companies partnering with automotive manufacturers due to differing production scales.

Strategic Partnerships and Investment

Craft Aerospace’s advisory board includes Bryan Berthy (former director of engineering at Lockheed Martin), Nikhil Goel (co-founder of Uber Elevate), and Brogan BamBrogan (early SpaceX employee and Hyperloop advocate).

The company has secured a letter of intent from JSX, a regional airline, to purchase 200 aircraft with an option for 400 more. Dorris anticipates that JSX will be an ideal early partner, with flights potentially commencing in 2026.

A Promising Future for a Novel Approach

Craft Aerospace’s venture represents a high-risk, high-reward endeavor with the potential to fundamentally alter short-distance air travel. The company’s unique approach has garnered positive feedback from both the industry and investors.

The company has raised $3.5 million in early-stage funding from Giant Ventures, Countdown Capital, Soma Capital, Y Combinator, and Nikhil Goel. “We’ve demonstrated it, and we’re getting an enormous amount of traction from aerospace people who have seen hundreds of concepts,” Dorris concluded. “Frankly, we’re extremely pleased with the level of interest we’re getting.”