Project Vahana started in early 2016 as one of the first projects at A³ (pronounced “A-cubed”), the advanced projects and partnerships outpost of Airbus Group. The Vahana doesn’t need a runway, is self-piloted, and can automatically detect and avoid obstacles and other aircraft. Designed to carry a single passenger or cargo, to make it the first certified passenger aircraft without a pilot.

At 8:52AM on January 31, 2018 in Pendleton, Oregon, the full-scale aircraft, dubbed Alpha One, reached a height of 5 meters (16 feet) before descending safely.

    Width: 6.2 m / 20.3 ft

    Length: 5.7 m / 18.7 ft

    Height: 2.8 m / 9.2 ft

    Takeoff Weight: 745 kg / 1642 lb

The first full transition flight was performed on May 3rd and was Vahana´s 66th flight test. Since then she have completed more than a dozen additional flights, including some at higher speeds and others to measure noise.

This time, however, Vahana’s wing and canard rotate to the full cruise configuration as the aircraft speeds up to 90 knots (over 100 mph). Once the vehicle reaches cruising speed, the transition is complete and the vehicle begins to decelerate preparing for its descent and skids down!

While they use Alpha One for test flights currently, Alpha Two is the first Vahana demonstrator with a finished interior.

Photo Rob Vogelaar