PAL-V achieves major milestone in rotor blade development
Netherlands-based PAL-V, a pioneer in FlyDrive mobility solutions, and the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) have recently completed the development of high-performance rotor blades for the Liberty flying car.
This marks a significant step towards serial production of the world’s first FlyDrive vehicle.
According to the company, the rotor blades are 20% more efficient with less drag compared to equivalent blades, resulting in better performance and fuel economy.
Due to the advanced composite technology, a set of two rotor blades only weighs 35.8 kg while spanning over almost 11 metres in length.
Innovative lightweight blades
Henri de Vries, Senior Scientist at NLR, said, “We are thrilled to have reached another milestone with our new technology for high-end composite rotor blades. Together with PAL-V, we’ve overcome technical challenges and ensured our rotor blades are ready for industrial production.”
He added, “Gyroplane rotor blades are brought into motion by airflow to create lift instead of by using a motor, a process called autorotation. These blades essentially act as wings during flight. Next to being lightweight, they contain a mid-hinge to fold the blades, enabling the vehicle to drive on roads at a compact length of just 4 meters. This makes the design unique and unprecedented.”
Furthermore, the close collaboration between PAL-V and NLR has utilised state-of-the-art facilities, including wind tunnels, composite manufacturing setups, and structure testing equipment, ensuring the rotor blades meet rigorous standards for safety and performance.
PAL-V has already established a small-scale assembly facility near its headquarters in the Netherlands, preparing for the mass production of the Liberty.
With this development, the company is nearing the final stages of air certification and compliance demonstration.
Robert Dingemanse, CEO and Founder of PAL-V, expressed the significance of the achievement, stating, “Since its existence, PAL-V has been the front-runner in the upcoming advanced air mobility market (AAM), outpacing any player due to its focus on using existing regulations. With the support of numerous suppliers and esteemed partners like NLR, PAL-V now concentrates on finalising the last stage of air certification, compliance demonstration.”
He added, “With an order book filling the first three years of production by a majority of professional customers, as well as private individuals, the PAL-V Liberty will be used to overcome the growing global mobility challenges.”
In March, Dubai-based Aviterra, led and backed by one of the founders of Jetex, a global leader in executive aviation, partnered with PAL-V for the acquisition of over 100 flying cars, marking a crucial step forward in the development of advanced air mobility (AAM) in the region.
Moreover, Loggia Investment, the investment arm of Aviterra, has also strategically invested in PAL-V and secured a partnership to expand operations in the Middle East and Africa region.