"Electric Rotorcraft Maker Unveils Two Seat Model ..." Topic

…with 18 Motors

"A German company has unveiled the latest version of its electrically-powered rotorcraft designed to carry two people.

Like its predecessor, the Volocopter, the new VC200 from e-volo makes use of multiple electric motors, each with its own propeller to provide the lift and thrust. In the case of the two person version, there are 18 spinning rotors above the heads of the pilot and passenger.

Still, it's a bit better than the original which had 16 electric motors and propellers, but the pilot sat above the spinning blades. The company believes the new aircraft will be capable of more than 100 km/h (62 mph) and it hopes to eventually have "more than one hour flight time".

On most of the electric aircraft we've seen – and flown – the past few years, the flight time is usually a bit less than initially hoped (with a few exceptions). And pushing an hour with 18 motors spinning does seem optimistic. But e-volo admits current battery technology and the take off weight of 990 pounds will allow for batteries to power just 20 minutes of flight. But for now the VC200 will extend its range in a manner similar to the Chevrolet Volt, with a small internal combustion engine driving a generator that will charge the batteries. The company hopes the serial hybrid system will allow it to significantly extend the initial range…"
Full article here
link

Can be used by military tasks?

Amicalement
Armand

Interesting, though seems to have a few too many rotors to me, but then again, I'm not in the air, flying it.

Should be good for reducing the insect population…

Ha!Ha!Ha!.
Good one Bill.

Amicalement
Armand