The Museum’s newest addition to its collection of aircraft!
The Flyer was designed and built by aviation start-up Kitty Hawk Corporation with the goal of proving that a manned aircraft can be as easy to fly as a drone. Some 75 non-pilots learned to fly this aircraft with less than two hours of training.
Dr. Todd Reichert and Dr. Cameron Robertson, who designed the Aerovelo Atlas also on display here at the Museum, were among the designers of the Flyer. Kitty Hawk built 111 Flyers between 2015 and 2020 before discontinuing the program to focus on the company’s other aircraft, the Heaviside.
Both the Flyer and the Heaviside are electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Kitty Hawk is among several companies working to develop viable eVTOL aircraft to serve as personal transportation vehicles or air taxis. These companies hope that eVTOL aircraft represent the future of commuting. The Museum has a model of the Jaunt company’s air taxi design on display as well, so visitors can compare two companies’ visions for the future of human air transport.
| Aircraft Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Crew | 1 Pilot |
| Overall Width | 13 ft |
| Overall Length | 8 ft |
| Empty Weight | 250 lbs |
| Maximum Speed | 30 mph |
| Endurance | 15-20 minutes |
| Powerplants | 10 lithium polymer batteries; 10 DC electric motors driving 10 two-bladed, 47-inch diam rotors |
| Acquisition Source | Gift of Kitty Hawk Corporation |
| Object No: 446 |