Applied eVTOL Concepts has revealed a new “flying car”, the Epiphany Transporter, which has VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) capability.
In lieu of wings, the advanced aircraft configuration vaunts morphing, dual-mode, ducted thrusters enabling it to hover like a helicopter, and attain efficient high-speed cruise flight like an airplane.
Applied eVTOL Concepts claims that it has vast potential commercial appeal due to its “predicted 300+ mile range; 160-mph top speed; and exceptionally quiet, neighbour-friendly sound (about 55 dB @ 50')”.
Originally developed under a $5.1 million DARPA grant, the NASA-proven ducted thrusters have undergone over a quarter-century of refinement through full-scale flight testing in wind tunnels and several prototype manned vehicles. According to Michael Moshier, Founder, CEO and Lead Designer of Applied eVTOL Concepts: "We have every reason to believe in the ability of our proprietary, field-proven ducted thrusters, and leading-edge vehicle design, to perform in flight as expected."
Rob Bulaga, the project's chief engineer and senior aerodynamicist, previously worked with Moshier on their ducted fan powered SoloTrek XFV aircraft, a one-person, strap-on, gas-fueled, personal flying machine.
Now the team's focus is on personal eVTOL aircraft for UAM (Urban Air Mobility) using advanced-technology electric motors and batteries.