Airspace Experience Technologies and TPS Logistics, both based in Detroit, have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed to evaluate the market opportunities of introducing electric takeoff and landing, wing-lifted (eVTOL) aircraft into the logistics value chain.
“Studies estimate that by 2035, global air travel-based inspections, goods, and passenger services have the potential to be a $74 billion market,” says Jon Rimanelli, co-founder and CEO at Airspace Experience Technologies, or ASX. “Almost 60 percent of that market will be driven by commercial good and services transport, and we are excited to work with TPS Logistics on jointly disrupting the urban air logistics sector.”
ASX is developing its tilt-wing eVTOL aircraft, the MOBi-One, while TPS is facilitating logistics and freight transportation solutions leveraging cloud-based, customizable technology with actionable business analytics to help companies streamline their logistics operations and grow.
“By leveraging our deep knowledge in logistics data and business models, we can ensure that the specifications of the ASX aircraft will support emergency response and other logistics services more efficiently and cost effectively than traditional helicopters,” says Parker Stallard, executive vice president at TPS.
Vertical takeoff and landing capability for cargo and emergency response civilian use cases have been limited to rotorcraft such as helicopters, which have limited range and a high energy cost and noise footprint. By using electric vehicle technology and mass production techniques, ASX expects to reduce the cost of its eVTOL aircraft.
Introducing TPS data will allow MOBi-One specifications to align with different cargo and optimize range and payload requirements.
“By working together with TPS Logistics, we plan to revolutionize cargo transport, reducing the carbon footprint and increasing capacity starting in the Midwest with demonstration flights as early as 2022,” says Anita Sengupta, co-founder and chief product officer at ASX.
The company has built and flight-tested five subscale concept vehicles and is ready to begin full-scale production and commercial certification for MOBi-One. The startup recently launched Regulation CF and Regulation D series seed funding campaign with its partner SeedInvest.
Proceeds of the round will be used to acquire automotive electric vehicle technology, build a series of full-scale prototypes, and initiate Federal Aviation Administration certification.
TPS was founded in 1991.
 aircraft into the logistics value chain.){kind=link}