VMO Flying Tiger Subscale Prototype 1
The V.MO Flying Tiger Subscale Prototype 1 is a lift-plus-cruise eVTOL being developed by Volkswagen Group China. Flight testing of the prototype is underway, however, it is unknown when the production aircraft is expected to enter into service. Type Certificate is expected to be granted by the CAAC.
Structure and Powertrain
The V.MO Flying Tiger Subscale Prototype 1 has a carbon fibre composite fuselage, a tandem high-wing connected by two booms, skid-style landing gear and no windows. The full-scale production model is expected to seat four passengers. Ten electric motors power eight dedicated lift fans and two pusher propellers positioned along the two booms and powered using swappable battery packs. The aircraft has been created in partnership with UK design firm Tangerine and Chinese manufacturer Sunward.
Distributed electric propulsion (DEP) is the name given to this method of powering aircraft. No critical points of failure provide a high level of redundancy and will ensure safety onboard.
Specifications
| Aircraft Type | Lift-plus-cruise eVTOL |
| Seats | None - 4 planned for production aircraft. |
| Length | 11.2m/36.7 ft. |
| Wingspan | 10.6m/34.7 ft. |
| Landing Gear | Fixed skid-type landing gear |
| Range | Production aircraft estimated 200km/124 miles. |
| Endurance | Production aircraft estimated 60 minutes. |
| Flight Controls | Fly-by-wire |
| Takeoff & Landing | VTOL |
| Autonomy | Remotely piloted prototype, autonomy planned for production aircraft. |
Avionics
The V.MO Flying Tiger Subscale Prototype 1 has a fly-by-wire remotely operated flight control system, with autonomy planned for the production aircraft.