Uniqopter

Uniqopter develops an open-source hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft designed for multiple air missions. The aircraft features four ducted propellers and four electric motors located above the fuselage, with an estimated cruise speed of 232 km/h (144 mph) and a flight time of 90 minutes plus a 30-minute reserve. The aircraft can carry a maximum payload of 921 kg (2,030 lb). The design incorporates noise reduction technology, propeller safety features, and flight control air jet values. The vehicle's cabin is configurable for various missions - in air ambulance configuration, it can accommodate one or two pilots, two paramedics, two stretchers and medical equipment, while the air taxi variant can hold one pilot and up to seven passengers. For cargo operations, the aircraft can be configured with one pilot and the remaining cabin space for cargo. The company operates on a unique business model where it shares its blueprints, procedures, policies, and business plans with any aircraft manufacturer interested in using the Uniqopter design. The company does not plan to manufacture aircraft or conduct air operations itself.

The aircraft utilizes traditional mechanical and manually operated flight control systems without computer automation. Its small landing zone footprint provides enhanced landing capabilities compared to conventional helicopters. The hybrid-electric power source, batteries and ducted propellers are positioned above the fuselage to maximize cabin space and enable easy reconfiguration.

Key customers and partnerships

The company collaborated with Ferno-Aviation, a major EMS solutions provider, which provided valuable design input for the air ambulance configuration. Uniqopter also conducted interviews with multiple Canadian and US-based operators and university researchers to understand the ideal requirements for an air ambulance aviation platform.