New Delhi: Chennai-based ePlane Company has entered into an agreement with Hensoldt to supply avionics systems for its flagship e200X eVTOL aircraft, to form the core navigation and mission management architecture of the platform. Hensoldt is a German multinational company that specialises in electronics for defence and aerospace applications. The collaboration is focused on making the e200X aircraft safe for operating in urban environments. The integration forms a part of the transition from subscale to full-scale prototype development of the e200X. The advanced avionics suite is a digital nervous system designed for safety, situational awareness and operational efficiency.
The agreement being signed. (Image Credit: The ePlane Company).
The avionics suite from Hensoldt will serve as the eyes and ears of the e200X. The electric aircraft will be using the EuroNav 7 digital moving map to navigate complex cityscapes with precision. The CaviSight visual landing aid offers the video and enhanced vision capability, providing enhanced intelligence, allowing pilots a clear augmented view and assistance during takeoff and landing, the most critical phases of flights. For secure connectivity, CaviConnect will be used for secure, robust datalinks between the aircraft and ground stations. Collision Avoidance is through the RF1 Smart Antenna that warns of other aircraft in the vicinity.
Safely navigating the Urban Canyon
Founder and Technical Lead of The ePlane Company, Satya Chakravarthy said, “Building a certifiable eVTOL requires the flawless integration of highly advanced subsystems into a single, harmonious platform. By partnering with HENSOLDT, we aren’t just buying components; we are integrating a legacy of aviation safety into the DNA of the e200x. This avionics suite provides the comprehensive situational awareness required to operate safely in dense urban environments.” The ePlane company plans to start with air ambulances, before moving to cargo and passenger eVOTLs.