Lyte Aviation Shoots for Sky with New VTOL Aircraft

Friday - November 10 2023, 19:26 UTC - 1 year ago

Lyte Aviation is working on a 44-seater VTOL aircraft, the SkyBus, that could revolutionize regional flights without necessitating traditional runways. The SkyBus features a tilt-wing concept, 8 six-bladed props with medium-sized inner propellers and smaller outer ones, existing turboprop engines or renewable jet fuel options, and potential hydrogen fuel cell electric motors on the wingtips. Lyte anticipates a full-scale prototype by 2024, and a conditional pre-order deal with India's Vman Aviation Services for 10 aircraft.

London-based startup Lyte Aviation is setting its sights on the sky with a groundbreaking 44-seater VTOL aircraft, challenging the conventional norms of aerial transportation. The company's initial project, the SkyBus, is designed to be a colossal airborne transport, boasting impressive statistics – a top speed of 186 mph (300 kph) and a range extending over 620 miles (1,000 km).

The SkyBus presents a unique design, resembling elongated, polished business jets or small commercial planes. The aircraft hosts eight six-bladed props for sporting tandem wings, each equipped with medium-sized inner propellers and smaller outer ones. However, given the aircraft's substantial size, it raises curiosity as the props seem relatively minor.

An efficient wing-supported cruise speed .

Lyte Aviation's innovative approach involves a tilt-wing concept for vertical takeoff and landing. This maneuver includes rotating the wings to orient the propellers upward for liftoff. Once airborne, the aircraft gradually tilts its wings forward, transitioning into an efficient wing-supported cruise speed. Although this tilt-wing concept has been explored previously, implementing it on such a grand scale presents novel challenges, particularly concerning stability in windy hover conditions.

To enable the heavy lift, Lyte Aviation plans to power its maiden aircraft with existing turboprop engines, utilizing either regular or sustainable jet fuel. Reports from FutureFlight suggest power levels between 3,500 and 5,000 horsepower will be harnessed.

The future: clear hydrogen-electric propulsion .

Moreover, the company hints at integrating hydrogen fuel cell electric motors on the wingtips. These motors could offer instantaneous electric torque, enhance propeller responsiveness, or support variable-pitch rotors for swift thrust adjustments on an engine-to-engine basis without relying on a combustion system.

While aiming to transition to clean hydrogen-electric propulsion, once proven and widely accessible, Lyte anticipates a full-scale prototype by 2024, with flight readiness in 2025. A conditional pre-order deal with India's Vman Aviation Services for 10 SkyBus aircraft, valued at approximately $428 million (€400 million), has been announced.

The grandeur of the SkyBus lies in its potential to revolutionize regional flights without necessitating traditional runways. Lyte envisions scenarios where these aerial behemoths could facilitate rapid inter-island travel or operate as a hop-on, hop-off service akin to a flying bus service.

Challenges of competitors .

Despite the ambitious strides, it’s crucial to note the challenges faced by previous VTOL ventures. GKN Aerospace and NYC’s Braeden Kelekona discussed similar large-scale concepts, with minimal progress in recent years. The complexities of bringing such innovations to market are exemplified by the prolonged journey of the Bell-Boeing AW609, currently under the ownership of Leonardo, struggling for certification even after 28 years since its inception.

While the SkyBus venture is promising, Lyte's CEO, Freshta Farzam, though light on aviation experience, holds a financia background, leading to speculations on whether the company may be equipped with strategic contacts and industry know-how.