Airspace Experience Technologies (ASX), an aviation technology start-up in Detroit, and Spirit AeroSystems, a global aircraft design and manufacturing company in Wichita, Kan., today announced they have signed a memorandum of understanding and a definitive agreement to cooperate on the creation of an affordable, certified all-electric, vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
“Spirit not only brings its design and manufacturing expertise to the partnership, but most importantly, its deep knowledge in FAA Certification of the aircraft,” says Jon Rimanelli, CEO and co-founder of ASX. “Our partnership with Spirit aims to deliver simple, safe, and robust electric VTOL aircraft that are accessible to the mass traveling public.”
The program aims to converge automotive mass production techniques with the reliability of commercial-grade aerospace manufacturing and certification. ASX, a spinoff of Detroit Aircraft Corp. and located at Detroit City Airport, has been working on building eVTOL aircraft for aerial taxi services, cargo services, logistical operations, and medical flights.
The path to delivering low-cost aircraft systems starts with engineering services, then parts fabrication, and finally system integration supporting the launch of ASX’s all-electric eVTOL aircraft, the MOBi-One. ASX is enlisting the proven expertise of Spirit, a top supplier of structures such as fuselages and wing components, to the world’s premier commercial and defense aircraft manufacturers.
“We look forward to working with ASX, an early pioneer in the emerging urban air mobility market,” says Keith Hamilton, executive director, programs and business development at Spirit. “(We are) actively developing new concepts, designs, and solutions that will help build next-generation aircraft and solve challenges in the future. This collaboration gives Spirit the opportunity to bring our world-class capabilities to this important future market for logistics and personal transportation.”
Spirit AeroSystems designs and builds aerostructures for both commercial and defense customers. The company, which has its main facilities in Wichita and operates other sites in the U.S., U.K., France, and Malaysia, designs, develops, and delivers affordable, innovative composite and aluminum manufacturing solutions.
ASX designs and develops personal air transportation systems and eVTOL aircraft that is eco-friendly, quiet, and connected by leveraging the fusion of automotive mass production technologies, electric vehicle architectures, and commercial aerospace standards. The company plans to launch a Series A Funding round in March.
For more information, visit ASX at iflyasx.com or email media@iflyasx.com.