When you think back on the midcentury vision of the year 2000, one thing that inevitably comes to mind is the concept of flying cars. While the years have come and gone with nary an airborne sedan in sight, the US is getting ready to see its first “flying car” in operation. The US Air Force is developing an electric vehicle that, while it doesn't look much like the sci-fi fantasies of the 1950s, still lives up to the expectation.
AFWERX Agility Prime was launched in 2020. It's an Air Force program designed to help the military branch collaborate with the aerospace industry on developing, testing, and deploying an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle.
AFWERX AFVentures runs the Small Business Technology Transition program and the Department of the Air Force Small Business Innovation Research. Through the Agility program, these work with small businesses and aerospace startups to help turn the vision of a “flying car” into reality. If everything goes according to plan, the Air Force will be able to procure actual eVTOL aircraft by 2023.
An electric vehicle capable of vertical takeoff and landing has numerous advantages for the military. In natural disasters or warzones, the ability to set up new bases of operations is of paramount importance. Unfortunately, there often aren't airfields in these areas—some may not even have enough level road to act as an ersatz runway. In those situations, an aircraft that can take off and land without needing a runway would be invaluable.
Agility Prime would also help in evacuation scenarios. Downed or captured personnel could be quickly and easily scooped up in situations where a traditional aircraft wouldn't be able to land.
Helicopters have long been the vertical takeoff and landing aircraft of choice for military operations, but there are some reasons why the Agility Prime might come out ahead.
There's fuel efficiency, for one. As an electric vehicle, Agility Prime would be much less expensive to fuel and operate than a conventional helicopter. This means that it could be more sustainable, too—as long as its electricity comes from renewable sources.
Fuel isn't the only way that Agility Prime could save the military money. According to some projections, it could be significantly cheaper than most conventional aircraft, too. A military helicopter can range from $1.2 million to $15 million, depending on its size, type, and other factors. The Agility Prime, on the other hand, could cost as little as a few hundred thousand dollars, or as much as $5 million. This puts the highest estimate for Agility Prime at less than half the median cost of a military helicopter.
With all of that aside, Agility Prime isn't intended to replace traditional military aircraft—at least, not any time soon. Lt. Col. John Tekell runs the Agility Prime program for AFWERX. In an interview, he said that Agility Prime “isn’t something [the miitary is] going to replace legacy assets with.” Instead, it's another tool that they can use to rapidly build or re-build bases, deploy personnel, and save lives.
While the prospect of eVTOL aircraft brings forth exciting possibilities for military applications, several challenges and considerations merit attention before widespread adoption.
Technological Hurdles: Developing reliable, high-performance eVTOL aircraft that meet stringent military requirements poses significant technological challenges. Ensuring the durability, efficiency, and safety of these vehicles in diverse operational conditions, including extreme weather or high-stress situations, remains a priority.
Safety Concerns and Regulations: Safety remains paramount in military operations. The adoption of eVTOL aircraft necessitates comprehensive safety assessments, rigorous testing, and adherence to aviation regulations. Integrating these novel vehicles into existing airspace while ensuring collision avoidance and seamless coordination with conventional aircraft requires meticulous planning and regulatory compliance.
Infrastructure and Maintenance: Establishing the necessary infrastructure to support eVTOL operations, including charging stations and maintenance facilities, is crucial. Additionally, maintaining these sophisticated electric aircraft and ensuring their reliability and readiness for deployment demand specialized training and robust maintenance protocols.
Costs and Feasibility: While eVTOL aircraft hold the promise of cost-efficient operations, initial development costs, procurement expenses, and long-term maintenance could potentially be substantial. Balancing the benefits against these financial investments is a critical aspect of their integration into military fleets.
Validation and Testing: Rigorous testing and validation procedures are imperative to demonstrate the capabilities and reliability of eVTOL aircraft in diverse scenarios, ranging from combat missions to humanitarian operations. These comprehensive tests are essential to gain confidence in the technology's performance and safety standards.
Public Perception and Acceptance: Introducing new aircraft technology often faces public scrutiny and acceptance challenges. Addressing concerns about noise levels, environmental impact, and the integration of these futuristic aircraft into civilian spaces could be a potential hurdle.
While eVTOL aircraft offer tremendous potential in enhancing military capabilities, acknowledging and mitigating these challenges is vital for their successful integration. Overcoming these hurdles will require collaborative efforts among technology developers, regulatory bodies, and military stakeholders to ensure the safe and effective incorporation of eVTOLs into future operations.
Incorporating insights from experts, regulatory perspectives, or case studies highlighting ongoing efforts to address these challenges would further enrich the article's discussion on the complexities surrounding the adoption of eVTOL technology in military contexts.
While all of this sounds very promising, don't expect to see 1950s-style “flying cars” any time soon. The Air Force is hoping to procure five eVTOL aircraft in 2023, but there's a lot that has to happen both before and after that. First, the military plans to show these aircraft at air shows, in order to prove their safety and effectiveness. Afterward, the Air Force plans to help facilitate the production and acquisition process for more eVTOL vehicles. This will help the technology maintain its competitive edge and continue to advance in a rapidly evolving field. Electric aviation technology moves quick, and procurement needs to move just as fast.
Helicopters and jets do their jobs well, but there are some situations that even they can't handle. An electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft would be able to do the things that they can't, allowing the Air Force to function more efficiently. These vehicles would be able to move supplies and people, infiltrate enemy areas, and perform rescues, all for a fraction of what it costs to build and operate a traditional military helicopter.
