Doroni Aerospace performs first piloted flight of personal eVTOL aircraft

Doroni has been diligently working on its full-scale technology demonstrator over the past few months, conducting over 50 unmanned flights to fine-tune its groundbreaking creation. On July 3, Doroni's founder and CEO, Doron Merdinger, took the historic step of becoming the first person to pilot the aircraft. The momentous flight test occurred indoors at Doroni's expansive 13,000-square-foot facility in Pompano Beach, Florida.

During the test, Merdinger skillfully took off, hovered, and executed minor maneuvers before landing the aircraft with utmost precision. Reflecting on the experience, Merdinger shared his excitement, stating, "It felt like floating on a cushion of air, experiencing a level of unparalleled freedom and excitement.

This is just the beginning for us, and I cannot contain my anticipation to deliver these incredible vehicles to the world. The technology we have developed is truly unlike anything else in the aerospace industry, and it is poised to revolutionize personal transportation in ways we could only dream of before."

Merdinger further revealed that while the full-scale technology demonstrator resembles the final product, Doroni is making some crucial modifications to enhance the aircraft's safety and efficiency. The company has already commenced the construction of a second prototype, which is expected to be completed by August.

Doroni's H1 aircraft is projected to have an impressive range of up to 60 miles (100 kilometers) on a single charge and a cruising speed of approximately 100 mph (160 kph). The company is currently undergoing certification under the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) light sport aircraft category, which means future operators would not require a pilot's license to fly it. To ensure a smooth transition for H1 owners, Doroni plans to offer a training program consisting of only 15 hours of training and five solo flight hours. Delivery of the aircraft to customers is expected to commence in 2024, shortly after receiving certification.

Innovations in the flying car industry

While Doroni is the first company to achieve piloted flight with a two-seat eVTOL aircraft, they are not alone in the race to bring personal eVTOL transportation to the market. Ryse, a company based in Ohio, has extensively flight-tested its single-seat Recon aircraft, often referred to as a "flying ATV." California-based Opener is also conducting flight tests for its single-seat BlackFly eVTOL aircraft. Additionally, Air, an Israeli company developing a two-seat eVTOL called the Air One, plans to commence piloted flight tests later this year.

With Doroni's recent achievement, the future of personal transportation appears to be closer than ever. As the company refines its groundbreaking aircraft and prepares to bring it to market, the "flying car" industry is set to enter a new era, revolutionizing the way we travel and embracing the boundless possibilities of the skies.