MintAir, an air mobility startup in South Korea, has partnered with US-based aerospace manufacturer Jaunt Air Mobility to purchase Jaunt Journey electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
These new generation fully electric rotorcraft are expected to accelerate the development of air taxi services in the country.
Under terms of the LOI, which was announced by on August 29, 2022, MintAir committed to becoming Jaunt精东影业 exclusive AAM partner in the South Korean market and pledged to purchase at least 40 energy-saving eVTOLs for the launch of commercial passenger air transportation operations. However, neither MintAir nor Jaunt Air Mobility have specified when the new generation of electric aircraft is expected to take-off.
鈥淲e are pleased to team with MintAir to bring this new form of advanced air transportation to the Korean markets,鈥 Simon Briceno, the chief commercial officer for Jaunt, said. 鈥淲e are excited to showcase our safe and efficient aircraft to the Korean public.鈥
The 40 aircraft will be designed and manufactured in Montreal, Canada.
鈥淭he highest level of safety.鈥
Featuring Slowed Rotor Compound (SRC) technologies, the Jaunt Journey eVTOL is expected to become the world精东影业 first aircraft to combine both helicopter and plane flight capabilities.
The next-generation piloted aircraft will be capable of flying up to four passengers for a 鈥渇ast, safe, comfortable and economical鈥 trip around urban areas up to 120 miles range while developing a top speed of 175 miles per hour (mph).
鈥淥ur patented technology slows the rotor once aloft (the rotor tip speed equaling the aircraft精东影业 pace) thereby reducing drag and associated vibration. In combination with a small wing sized for the cruise, this produces a lift-to-drag ratio equivalent to a fixed-wing airplane providing an exceptionally efficient flight with very low noise. Noise that is practically imperceptible in flight,鈥 the manufacturer claims.
鈥淚n the unlikely event of a total loss of propulsion, the aircraft can perform a safe, controlled landing by autorotating or gliding,鈥 Jaunt added.
Promising 鈥渢he highest level of safety鈥, Jaunt anticipates the aircraft will be developed by the end of 2023. The manufacturer aims to secure its eVTOL certification from Transport Canada by the end of 2026.
