Maximum total range of eVTOL under consideration of realistic operational scenarios

The growing scientific and economic interest in electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOLs) has led to a large variety of different technological configurations with partly very different information on the maximum flying range promoted by manufacturers. But as physical equations regarding the potential performance are discussed in literature already, it remains un-clear to what scale realistic operational scenarios impact total range and which battery capacities are needed in the future to conduct safe and efficient flights for commercial purposes. Therefore, we use a novel evaluation approach that combines the results from model-specific energy-consumption equations with operational and external constraints, such as hover time due to traffic management procedures and regional weather conditions. Our calculations are based on publicly available information and expert reviewed assumptions on key parameter for the efficiency of multi-copter, lift & cruise, tilt-rotors and vectored thrust eVTOL architectures, and the utilization of the extended Breguet’s range equation. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis is performed to determine the most influential factors in realistic scenarios. With a 10 min. hover phase e.g., a contingency procedure, the range can be reduced by up to 75% depending on the eVTOL configuration. Moreover, strong headwind conditions of 20 m/s reduced the final range by 71% as well. But also, we can predict, that with the anticipated development of batteries in the next three decades the ranges can be increased by up to 110%. In consequence we conclude that effective operation of eVTOL is not only dependent on further technological development, but also an adaptive and individual approach to regulation and traffic management as the capabilities differ significantly based on the vehicle type. In order to depict realistic scenarios, the environmental variables, airspace characteristics and mission-related parameters are representative for the area of the Frankfurt Airport.