Airbus Helicopters recently completed the first full-scale test of the propeller-and-duct system for the City Airbus demonstrator – a multi-passenger self-piloted electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicle designed for ‘urban air mobility’.

During the successful testing phase, the City Airbus team thoroughly checked the performance of the system, which is powered by Siemens electrical propulsion units.

City Airbus is a battery-powered vehicle designed to carry up to four passengers over congested mega-cities to important destinations such as airports or railway stations in a fast, affordable and environment-friendly way.

The innovative four-ducted propeller configuration contributes significantly to safety and a ‘low acoustic footprint’.

Marius Bebesel, chief engineer of City Airbus, said: “We now have a better understanding of the performance of the innovative electric propulsion system, which we will continue to mature through rigorous testing, while beginning the assembly of the full-scale City Airbus flight demonstrator.”

Tests of the fully integrated drivetrain, with eight propellers and eight specially designed Siemens SP200D direct-drive 100kW electric motors, are expected shortly. The first flight is scheduled for the end of 2018, when the test aircraft will be remotely piloted.