Urban Aeronautics

About Urban Aeronautics

Urban Aeronautics, an Israeli aerospace company established in 2000, is developing compact vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft designed for urban environments. The company was founded by Dr. Rafi Yoeli, a pilot and inventor with a background at Israel Aerospace Industries and Boeing. Yoeli's experience in military aviation and his realization that urban flight required aircraft without external wings or rotors led to the creation of the company's core Fancraft™ technology. This proprietary system utilizes internal, ducted fans for lift and propulsion, a concept supported by numerous patents. This design allows for a vehicle with a footprint comparable to a large SUV, enabling it to operate in confined spaces where traditional helicopters cannot.

The company's business is structured through two main subsidiaries: Tactical Robotics and Metro Skyways. Tactical Robotics focuses on the unmanned military and national security markets with its Cormorant aircraft (formerly known as AirMule). The Cormorant is an autonomous VTOL designed for missions like cargo transport, medical evacuation, and troop supply in hazardous or inaccessible areas, and has undergone extensive flight testing since 2009. Metro Skyways is developing the civilian version, the CityHawk, which targets the commercial air taxi, private transport, and emergency medical services (EMS) markets. A pre-order for four CityHawk aircraft in an air ambulance configuration has been placed by Hatzolah Air, a New York-based EMS operator.

The CityHawk is designed to seat a pilot and up to five passengers. A key feature of the company's strategy is the planned transition to hydrogen power. While initial versions may use conventional propulsion to achieve certification, anticipated around 2026, Urban Aeronautics is collaborating with partners like HyPoint to develop a hydrogen fuel cell-powered version, targeting certification by 2030. This approach aims for zero emissions, with water as the only byproduct, and minimal noise disruption, projected to be around 70 dBA. The aircraft is being designed to meet existing FAA/EASA certification standards for manned rotorcraft. In September 2021, the company announced it had secured an initial $10 million in a Series A funding round to advance the CityHawk's development.