The British Ministry of Defence and the Pentagon are discussing the use of silent electric flying taxis in combat conditions.
These unmanned aircraft will transport ammunition and move officers quickly along the frontline.
Startup Vertical Aerospace has presented the Valo electric aircraft. Serial production is planned from 2030.
Valo has vertical takeoff and landing capability. It can be equipped with a hybrid engine for military logistics.
It is also intended for transporting personnel between Royal Navy ships.
Advantages: silent operation, autonomous control, batteries can be used as an energy source.
Operating cost is much lower than a helicopter: $1,200-1,500 (helicopter $10,000).
Flight range 1,600 km, payload capacity 1.2 tons. The company plans to produce 900 units per year.
Prototype tests are not fully complete, and certification risks remain.
