Onwardair develops modular and versatile heavy-lift eVTOL aircraft designed for efficient middle-mile logistics. These electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft feature proprietary flight control systems to ensure ease of operation and rapid operator proficiency. The company focuses on delivering cost-effective, safe, and sustainable aerial transport solutions for cargo operations.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Offshore energy operations, such as those servicing oil platforms and wind turbines, face high costs and logistical challenges due to reliance on traditional transportation methods like helicopters and diesel-powered vessels. These methods can be inefficient, environmentally unfriendly, and pose safety risks.
Solution
OnwardAir is developing electric and hybrid vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed to provide a more efficient, safe, and cost-effective solution for offshore energy services. The company's modular eVTOL platform can be reconfigured to transport passengers, cargo, and equipment, as well as to perform services such as wind turbine maintenance. OnwardAir's aircraft are designed for ease of operation, featuring a proprietary flight controller that enables rapid operator proficiency with minimal training. The company aims to reduce operational costs and improve safety by offering a versatile and reliable alternative to traditional methods.
Target Audience
OnwardAir's primary target audience includes offshore energy companies involved in oil platform operations and wind turbine maintenance, as well as organizations seeking more efficient and sustainable transportation solutions for these sectors.
Features
- Electric and hybrid propulsion systems for reduced emissions and operating costs
- Vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability for access to confined spaces
- Modular design allowing for rapid reconfiguration for various missions (passenger transport, cargo delivery, equipment servicing)
- Proprietary 4-DoF flight controller for simplified operation and enhanced safety
- Advanced flight automation features, including edge computing, sensor fusion, and collision avoidance
- Deployable aerosurfaces for operation in tight landing zones
- Advanced simulation and modeling using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA) to optimize eVTOL design
- Scaled prototyping program using 1/10- and 1/3-scale drones to refine full-scale aircraft designs