Company Releases First Photos Ahead of Expo 2025 Demonstration Flights
All images courtesy SkyDrive Inc.
SkyDrive Inc. has reached a significant milestone in the certification process for its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) has issued a G-1 certification basis for the ‘SKYDRIVE’ eVTOL. This agreement outlines the specific airworthiness and performance criteria required for the aircraft’s type certification.
Certification Agreement Provides Clarity for Future Operations
The certification basis follows discussions between JCAB and SkyDrive on the safety and airworthiness standards that the aircraft must meet. The agreement builds upon a previous understanding reached in March 2022 to use JCAB’s Airworthiness Inspection Manual (AIM) Part II (Revision 61) as the regulatory framework for SkyDrive’s certification. AIM Part II typically applies to fixed-wing aircraft carrying up to 19 passengers and weighing 8,618 kg (19,000 lbs) or less. The most recent revision allows manufacturers more flexibility in demonstrating safety compliance.
“We are pleased to announce that the JCAB has issued the G-1 certification basis that will apply to our first commercial eVTOL aircraft. We have reached this significant milestone through a series of respectful and collaborative discussions with the JCAB,” said Arnaud Coville, SkyDrive’s Chief Development Officer. “The issuance of this certification basis represents the culmination of substantial efforts invested over several months.”
With this regulatory foundation, SkyDrive will work with JCAB to finalize a certification plan. The company will then proceed with extensive ground and flight testing to meet certification requirements.
SkyDrive Expands Certification Efforts to the United States
Alongside its work with JCAB, SkyDrive is also engaged with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to align certification processes for its eVTOL aircraft. “We are also thrilled with the recent progress achieved in our validation project with the FAA. Our prototype aircraft, which is currently undergoing an extensive series of flight tests, continues to accumulate valuable data as we make steady progress toward the upcoming demonstration flights at the Osaka Expo,” Coville added.
By pursuing certification in multiple markets, SkyDrive is positioning itself for broader commercial deployment. The company’s approach aims to align certification efforts across regulatory bodies to facilitate global operations.
First Public Photos and Osaka Expo Demonstration Flights
In addition to the certification update, SkyDrive has released the first official photographs of the ‘SKYDRIVE’ eVTOL. The aircraft is currently undergoing flight tests in preparation for its public unveiling at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka. As part of the event, the aircraft will perform demonstration flights to showcase its capabilities.
“As we pursue our certification roadmap and showcase the capabilities of our aircraft to the public, 2025 is set to become an important year for SkyDrive. We are delighted that the year is off to such a great start,” Coville stated.
SkyDrive has been working on eVTOL technology since 2014 and became the first company to fly a crewed eVTOL in Japan in 2019. The company began production of the ‘SKYDRIVE’ in March 2024 at a facility owned by Suzuki Motor Corporation, its official production partner. More information about SkyDrive can be found at SkyDrive’s website
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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