LYTE Aviation Announces SkyBus and SkyTruck Hybrid eVTOL
DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian M. Crosby
Innovator in advanced air mobility today LYTE Aviation announced a 40-seat (hybrid) eVTOL SkyBus and SkyTruck program. The LA-44 SkyBus, an eVTOL vehicle designed to have five times the fuel efficiency of his current helicopter, and a SkyTruck cargo variant designed around a 4.5-tonne payload, are the result of three years of research and development. is.
Built primarily with currently available technology, the SkyBus has a range of 1,000 km and a top speed of 300 km/h. It utilizes two propulsion systems, one of which is electric and powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, and the other turbine powered by jet fuel/SAF.
The LA-44 is a hybrid electric tandem tilt wing design powered by four conventional turbine engines running on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). It also utilizes her four electric motors at the wingtips for improved control and stability, and is powered by hydrogen fuel cells. A full-scale prototype he plans within 24 months.
“Since the use of turbine engines is likely to be unavoidable in the near future, we chose a partially electric hybrid VTOL in order to achieve practical and business-friendly range and reduce time to market. We did,” explains the founder of LYTE Aviation. and CEO Fresta Furtham. “My personal inspiration for this operating concept comes from the Rotodyne aircraft of the 1950s. Imagine what we can achieve thanks to continuing technological advances.”
“Conventional and highly reliable turboprops are the best choice for our immediate aircraft program, intended to operate and refuel virtually anywhere in today’s infrastructure. Vertiport, energy sources (SAF & green hydrogen ), with constant evolution and anticipated investment in global infrastructure such as power plants, the goal will be to become fully hydrogen-electric in the future,” she added.
“We are focused on facilitating the air transportation of passengers and cargo in a fast, safe, cost-effective and sustainable manner. Designed for time-critical demands, it is designed to deliver time-sensitive cargo faster from point to point, without relying on runways. It will be honed for difficult operating conditions and (in the absence of ground infrastructure) operations in remote areas, with a 4.5 tonne payload and 17 tonnes gross weight underslung capacity.”
“The LA-44’s unique design will allow it to take advantage of its mass transit capabilities, replacing air and land transportation modes such as buses, trains and trucks,” added Fresta. “LYTE Aviation’s vision is to significantly improve the speed and frequency of passenger mass transit and cargo delivery. represents the results of
LYTE Aviation’s vision for the exponentially growing aviation market is shared by newly signed partners Inmarsata leading supplier of satellite communications services, an aerospace design organization and an in-flight specialist inflight canadaThe partners were announced by Freshta at Helicopter Investor 2023 in London this afternoon. Additional key partners will be announced later this year.
“Inmarsat is looking forward to teaming up with LYTE Aviation to be a key partner in delivering safety information services to and from the LA-44 platform as part of the LineFit delivery program for hybrid electric vehicles. “Inmarsat has been a trusted provider of critical safety communications to the aviation industry for over 30 years. Is possible.”
“IFC is extremely excited and interested in participating in the development of the SkyTruck version of the LA-44. far exceeds the current technology in use today.”
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Ian attended Dominican University in California and graduated with a BA in English in 2019. With his lifelong passion for writing and storytelling and keen interest in technology, he now contributes to his DroneLife as a staff writer.
Miriam McNabb, editor-in-chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of professional drone services marketplace JobForDrones, is a fascinating observer of the emerging drone industry and drone regulatory environment. With her 3,000+ articles focused on the commercial drone space, Miriam is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and high tech she has over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing new technologies.
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