Textron’s electric aircraft company, Textron eAviation is to conduct flight testing for its Nexus eVTOL demonstrator aircraft at Salina Regional Airport in Kansas.
This program will follow the successful conclusion of initial restrained flight testing which is planned to take place in the coming months at the National Institute of Aviation Research facility in Wichita.
The remotely piloted flight-test program at Salina Regional Airport will evaluate the Nexus eVTOL’s performance under various conditions, simulating operational scenarios. Textron said that the Salina testing will be key in validating the aircraft’s full performance envelope.
Nexus will carry a pilot and four passengers and uses a distributed electric propulsion system. It features four tilting propellers and two aft stationary vertical rotors and is intended for passenger transport, public aircraft operations, and cargo services.
Kriya Shortt, president and CEO of Textron eAviation said, “Kansas boasts a rich aviation history, and we’re proud to work alongside the Salina Airport Authority to test these emerging technologies so close to home. The support and facilities provided by the Salina Airport Authority are vital as we advance towards bringing the Nexus eVTOL to market.”
Salina Regional Airport is used for unmanned drone testing and has hosted testing as part of the FAA’s Integration Pilot Program and Beyond programs.
Pieter Miller, executive director of the Salina Airport Authority said, “We are thrilled to partner with Textron eAviation on this exciting project. Salina Regional Airport has a longstanding tradition of supporting aviation innovation, and we look forward to contributing to the success of the Nexus eVTOL program.”
