Industry Aston Martin unveils VTOL study

The Volante Vision Concept is a luxury concept aircraft with capabilities to take off and land vertically (VTOL). The study was produced by Aston Martin in partnership with Rolls-Royce, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions and the Cranfield University.

The concept is a demonstration of Aston Martin´s ambitions to access the air mobility branch. Three passengers can be accommodated in the vehicle.

Aston Martin stated, that the hybrid-electric vehicle was developed for autonomous flying in urban and inter-city areas. Luxury travel, efficiency and speed will be reconciled with the vehicle.

With the help of the project´s partners, the new concept is state-of-the-art and uses the latest advances in aerospace technology. Moreover, the combined skills ensure that the concept is a realistic approach for alternative transportation solutions.

Aston Martin President and CEO Dr Andy Palmer commented: “Humans have always spent on average, one hour commuting to and from work.  The distance we live from our workplace has been determined by the methods of transportation available.  The Volante Vision Concept will enable us to travel further with our hourly commute, meaning we are able to live further away from where we work.  Cities will grow, and towns that are today too far away from cities to be commutable will become suburban."

Director, Rolls-Royce Electrical Rob Watson said: “We are delighted to be involved in the Volante Vision Concept, which showcases the best of British design and engineering. Rolls-Royce has already delivered hybrid-electric systems for other applications including ships and trains, and we’re very excited about the potential of the technology in aerospace."

The design language was decided by Aston Martin EVP and Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman. Reichman also designed the Aston Martin DB11, the new Vantage, the DBS Superleggera and Aston Martin´s hypercar project Valkyrie.