US Air Force Tests BlackFly eVTOL Aircraft for Future Military Use

The US Air Force is testing the innovative BlackFly electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Ohio under the Agility Prime program. This initiative, spearheaded by the Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX, aims to explore and develop new aerial mobility solutions for various military missions.

The trials are being conducted at the Springfield-Beckley Airport, where the single-seater BlackFly is undergoing rigorous testing in different unmanned scenarios. One key aspect of these tests is the integration of a remote-controlled mobile power station developed by Indiana-based DANNAR. This power station provides the necessary juice for the eVTOL's flight operations and recharges the aircraft between missions.

During the trials, the BlackFly has been tested for reconnaissance missions over designated targets. Each flight lasts about 20 minutes before the aircraft requires a full recharge. The DANNAR station’s 120-volt outlets are used for flight operations, while the 240-volt outlets handle the recharging process. The teams are closely monitoring the charging intervals and preparation times to ensure the aircraft can be quickly turned around for subsequent flights.

AFWERX Flight Test Engineer Josh Lane emphasized that the tests are not only about assessing the flying capabilities of the BlackFly but also evaluating the supporting infrastructure. This includes electric charging systems like the DANNAR battery energy storage system and portable chargers from the original equipment manufacturers. The goal is to understand the overall flight operations within the context of Air Force and other stakeholder concepts of employment.

The Springfield-Beckley tests are being conducted in collaboration with Virginia-based defense contractor Modern Technology Solutions Inc. (MTSI). Alongside the BlackFly, Agility Prime is also assessing other commercial eVTOLs, such as Pyka’s Pelican Cargo, Pipistrel’s Velis Electro, and BETA’s ALIA. The evaluation of these aircraft is expected to continue until mid-September to gather all necessary data for potential government acquisition.

Agility Prime Acting Branch Chief Jacob Wilson explained that the program is exploring a range of military-type use cases, from logistics and material transport to emergency response and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. The ultimate aim is to accelerate the commercial adoption of these innovations in the US, ensuring a robust industrial base and transitioning the most suitable technologies to military use.

The BlackFly, developed by Pivotal, is a compact eVTOL aircraft measuring 13.5 feet in length with a wingspan of 13.7 feet. It has a gross weight of 563 pounds and is powered by eight 42-horsepower engine motors and 3-foot two-bladed propellers. This setup allows the BlackFly to achieve a top speed of 70 knots (80 mph) and a range of 35 nautical miles (40 miles). It can also ascend at a rate of 1,000 feet per minute.

Pivotal secured a two-year contract in March, granting the company access to test facilities, resources, and multiple sites under restricted airspace. This agreement followed the delivery of BlackFly systems and corresponding flight simulators to MTSI for Agility Prime evaluations.

The US Air Force's ongoing tests of the BlackFly and other eVTOL aircraft are part of a broader effort to harness cutting-edge technology for future military applications. As these evaluations continue, the Air Force aims to pave the way for new, versatile aerial mobility systems that can support a wide range of mission requirements.

By focusing on these emerging technologies, the Agility Prime program seeks to enhance the Air Force's operational capabilities and maintain its technological edge in an increasingly competitive global landscape.