A few years ago, when the Hexa aircraft from Lift Airlines was presented to the leaders of the U.S. military, it was referred to as “the electric aircraft of the future for the U.S. Air Force.” At its inception, its primary purpose was likely operational—rescue and recovery missions, emergency response, disaster relief, law enforcement, firefighting, and more. However, in the years since, it has evolved into one of the most promising projects in the field of personal air vehicles. Currently, it operates primarily through a Pay Per Flight system, offering flights from one location to another within the United States, with the experience including training and a virtual reality simulator on the ground.
The Hexa is equipped with no less than 18 electric motors and 18 independent propellers, some external and some internal, which allow for complete control over the aircraft and maximum visibility for the pilot. It takes off and lands vertically, both on land and water. Equally important, the aircraft offers autonomous flight capabilities and remote control, which can be crucial in complex operations or to avoid putting pilots at risk. It can fly with six motors disabled and is equipped with an autonomous ballistic parachute.
The Hexa has a cruising speed of about 72 km/h and a continuous flight time of approximately 15 minutes. Flight is controlled via a dedicated joystick or in “autopilot” mode, activated through a small touchscreen.
This model incorporates several interesting developments, which may explain its very high price tag. For example, it features a computerized system that alerts the pilot when the battery is low and automatically guides the aircraft to its destination, regardless of the pilot’s actions. It also includes an air collision avoidance system, distributed electric propulsion, and more. The price: approximately $495,000.
