Skyryse

Based in Los Angeles, Skyryse is dedicated to the development of flight control systems that aim to greatly simplify the flying experience. Additionally, these systems provide advanced safeguards in the event of system failures and optimize routes and flight durations. With its innovative, integrated flight control system, “FlightOS,” the company effectively reduces the complexities associated with aircraft management during standard flights, adverse weather conditions, and emergencies. This user-friendly and intuitive system is designed to make flying more accessible and ensures a seamless flight experience. According to the company, FlightOS will be able to be retrofitted onto any aircraft, potentially unlocking flight controls to anyone that can operate a touchscreen and a joystick. The FlightOS stack comprises actuators and flight control computers that would replace the mechanical systems of an aircraft. This direct substitution ensures that the entire system remains "cost neutral," enabling OEMs to produce a vehicle with FlightOS at the same cost as their current aircraft models, according to the company. In February 2023 , the company achieved 100% FAA means of compliance, utilizing systems and technologies that are already known and certified, which provides a clear path to market.

Skyryse dedicated extensive time and effort to the development and testing of an autonomous flight system. This cutting-edge system utilizes cameras, radar, and various sensors to meticulously monitor and react to the aircraft's surrounding environment during flight. However, as regulators are unlikely to approve autonomous flight in the foreseeable future, the company has successfully created an advanced flight control system that offers a high level of automation and is compatible with any aircraft that is user-friendly. This groundbreaking technology brings the same level of safety found in commercial aviation to general aviation. With user-friendly and intuitive controls, Skyryse's system eliminates the complexities associated with learning to fly, making the experience of flying straightforward, practical, and secure. FlightOS addresses the shortage of pilots by reactivating inactive pilots that are currently not flying, as the company claims that pilots will be able to complete flight training up to 50% faster than the average as of May 2023. In March 2023 , the company launched its FlightOS system for single-pilot, fly-by-wire VTOL, providing full Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), certification, and capability.

Key customers and partnerships

In 2021, Skyryse established collaborations with five renowned original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the fixed-wing and rotorcraft industry, including Robinson Helicopters. These OEMs, responsible for manufacturing more than half of the world's new general aviation aircraft, were slated to acquire FlightOS from Skyryse. Robinson Helicopters, known as the largest rotorcraft manufacturer globally, intended to incorporate Skyryse's system into its flagship model, the R66.

Air Methods, a leading air medical transport company in the US, partnered with Skyryse to upgrade over 400 units in its fleet, primarily consisting of single-engine helicopters.

Funding and financials

In a funding round in October 2021 , the company raised USD 200 million led by Fidelity Management & Research Company and Monashee Investment Management. The round, which was the largest Series B in aerospace history at the time, had participation from existing investors (Venrock, Eclipse Ventures, and Fontinalis Partners), as well as new investors (ArrowMark Partners, Republic Capital, Raptor Group, Infinite Capital, etc.). The funds were allocated in the acceleration of the development of the company's flight automation system, FlightOS.