Personal Flying Vehicle Powered by Batteries

The Ryse Recon eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) vehicle runs on batteries, as do other electric flying crafts.

So rather than a traditional fueling station, electric aerial vehicles (EAV) must have batteries charged or replaced.

The ultralight category of EAV, which does not require a pilot license to fly, typically can fly for up to 20 or 30 minutes before a charge is needed.

As battery technology continues to improve, that time is expected to become longer.

The obvious question becomes how EAV owners upgrade their vehicles when battery technology improves,

For Ryse Aero Technology, the design approach taken was to plan for battery updates but using the same form factor, according to Ryse founder and CEO Mick Kowitz.

The batteries on the Ryse Recon are located at each of the propellers and all are removable. 

However, if one battery dies, it does not impact that particular propeller, since the system is essentially interlinked, said Rob Royce, vice president of engineering and manufacturing at Ryse Aero Technologies.

The larger, certified EAVs under development, such as air taxis, require certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a licensed pilot and vertiports for landing, takeoff, passenger pickup and drop-off and battery charging.

Related:Flying Vehicle Startup Makes Safety a Priority

Although most EAVs take off and land straight up and down, the commercial flying vehicles of the future require significantly more infrastructure for operation.

The ultralight category, such as the Ryse Recon, involves vehicles aimed at single ownership and usage with the ability for one person to manage the craft.

Ryse Aero, founded in 2021, is on its third generation of personal air vehicles and plans to deliver vehicles to future owners in 2014.

The Ryse Recon is among several new personal flying vehicles entering the market in 2024. 

Kowitz, who also is a licensed pilot, recently detailed the Ryse Recon redundant systems and the ability for the vehicle to land on water along with what to do if something goes wrong.

This is the second in a series of stories and videos taking an inside look at personal flying vehicle startup Ryse Aero.

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