Cranfield-based ARC Aerosystems(Formerly SAMAD Aerospace), a hybrid electric VTOL aviation company, has launched its concept for Q-Starling, a ‘high-end’ Personal Air Vehicle (PAV).

With a design taking elements from both fast jets and VTOL aircraft, ARC Aerosystems said that the Q-Starling represents a “new pinnacle” in future sustainable aircraft design.

The Q-Starling will seat two passengers and can be flown by pilots with an anticipated appropriate class rating. Dr. Seyed Mohseni, ceo of ARC Aerosystems, said:

“The Q-Starling will give owners the ultimate luxury in personal hybrid-electric flying. The efficient sustainable Q-Starling will give passengers unparalleled point-to-point mobility options.”

Q-Starling will be powered by a hybrid-electric turbo-generator. This will provide power for a large diameter hover fan and a fly-by-wire controlled ‘Reaction Control System’ (RCS).

The turbo- generator will then provide forward thrust once the aircraft has transitioned from vertical flight. The aircraft is expected to have a low entry barrier to private flight with an expected conversion requirement of around 10 hours for the average PPL.

The ARC Aerosystems team intends to make flying as common practice as driving with the ability to move directly from point-to-point. A copy of the Q-Starling brochure can be downloaded here.

News source: cranfieldandmarstonvale