300km/h Yongin→Gwanghwamun in 15 Minutes?…Hanwha Systems' Air Taxi 'Electric Propulsion System' Performance Test Imminent

Progress with Overair in the US by Mid-2024
Aiming for Aircraft Development in 2024 and Pilot Operation in 2025

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] The possibility of developing urban air mobility (UAM) capable of traveling from Yongin Terminal to Gwanghwamun, Seoul in just 15 minutes at a speed of 320 km/h using domestic technology has opened up.

Hanwha Systems announced on the 28th that it will be able to test the 'electric propulsion system' for the commercialization of UAM air taxis within the first half of this year. The electric propulsion system test will be conducted jointly with Overair in the United States. Hanwha Systems acquired a 30% stake in Overair last year.

The electric propulsion system is responsible for vertical takeoff of the aircraft and forward movement after takeoff. It minimizes the space required for takeoff and landing, eliminating the need for a separate runway. One propulsion unit handles both lifting and forward thrust, reducing the aircraft's weight. The lighter weight increases flight range. This is considered a key function to realize commercial operation of air taxis.

Hanwha Systems’ electric propulsion system, now in the final stages of development, is powered 100% by electricity. The company explained that it emits no pollutants such as carbon and applies low-noise technology, reducing noise by more than 15 decibels (dB) compared to helicopters.

Hanwha Systems and Overair are also producing the 'Butterfly' air taxi equipped with the electric propulsion system. The maximum speed is 320 km/h. The company explained that with the electric propulsion system installed, it will be possible to travel from Yongin Terminal to Gwanghwamun in just 15 minutes.

Kim Seok-gyun, head of Hanwha Systems’ UAM division, said, "If this development is ultimately successful, we will be able to move ahead of about 10 global companies competing in the UAM market." Hanwha aims to develop the aircraft by 2024 and conduct pilot operations in 2025.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.