The air taxis will be powered by several electric motors. To optimise the range of the taxis, every single gram counts. Measuring about 2m in length and 1.5m in width, the ultra-light landing skid will weigh less than 3kg, making it about 15% lighter than a similar component made from aluminium. This increases the potential flight time capacity of the air taxi which is a key differentiator for the air taxi operator.
“With our landing gear we help to shape this very new, promising application of manned, autonomous civil aviation. This involvement also demonstrates our wide range of services. From engineering, to prototype manufacture, to serial production with our own materials – all of our competences along the entire value chain made a contribution to the project,” commented Dr Andreas Erber, head of the aerospace segment of the Composites – Fibers & Materials business unit at SGL Carbon.
The landing gear was developed in close collaboration between customer experts and specialists from SGL Carbon. The carbon fibres for the component are produced at the SGL Carbon plant in Muir of Ord, Scotland. The final part is being manufactured at the SGL Carbon site in Innkreis, Austria.
