The aerospace company Doroni, based in Miami, U.S., has started taking pre-orders for its “personal” aircraft.
Doroni targets a different market than most eVTOL producers, who are making air taxis for usage in cities. The company positions its aircraft for private pilots, claiming that it will be more intuitive and simpler to operate than a helicopter or regular airplane.
Company representatives have stated in a webinar that they have the intention to “democratize” general aviation by using a safe, “semi-autonomous” airplane. Anyone with a regular driver’s license should be able to fly the H1, after completing a 20-hour training course, according to CEO Doron Merdinger.
H1 is a two-seat flying car with two sets of wings with huge, ducted fans and can carry a 500-pound (227 kg) payload. It also has wheels and can be driven into a typical garage and recharged overnight. It takes 20 minutes to charge the battery from 20 to 80 percent.
The H1 has a retro-futuristic appearance due to its big fans and curved fuselage. The H1 will have a top speed of 140 mph (225 kph) and a range of 60 miles (96 km). It will also have a parachute.
The company recently demonstrated the H1 cockpit at the Wittman Regional Airport’s Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture in Wisconsin and simulated the vehicle’s takeoff, flying, and landing capabilities using VR headsets.
The onboard dash has touchscreen monitors, including navigation, landing, cameras, lights, ventilation, mood lighting, and wipers, to regulate flight and the user experience.
The dash system has an engine start button, left and right door controls, RFID sensors, and two control sticks that may be used by either left- or right-handed people. From the onboard computer, users can hear audibles such as “Doroni Systems Check” and “Doroni Ready for Takeoff.”
The company hopes to start aircraft deliveries in the last quarter of 2024.
According to the company website, Doroni accepts 36 pre-orders. The H1 will have an estimated price tag of $150,000 when launched.