Ascending Technologies Becomes Shareholder of e-volo

UAS experts pushing forward the “green” helicopter Volocopter VC200.

Ascending Technologies has been part of the development network and key technology partner from e-volo since 2013, when they significantly contributed to the maiden flight of the Volocopter VC200. Now Ascending Technologies officially becomes shareholder of e-volo to sustainably lead the development of the world’s first purely electric, rotary-wing manned aircraft system to the desired result.

The leader in technology of high-tech UAS develops and produces unmanned aircraft systems for commercial operation and research. In cooperation with the Volocopter Team Ascending Technologies creates the centerpiece of the VC200, the flight control, as well as diverse power electronic components. The owner-managed, German company will bring over 12 years of expertise in unmanned aviation and the development of reliable flight control systems for unmanned multi-rotor drones.

In the course of a November test-flight program, comprising of multiple unmanned flights with the VC200 on the airfield adjacent to the company work shop, e-volo was able to extensively test various technical innovations that do not exist in conventional helicopters. In cooperation with Ascending Technologies e-volowas able to put the automatic altitude control, position hold, and landing systems into operation.

Just like on-board the professional UAS drones from Ascending Technologies being used in commercial inspection, surveying and agriculture operations, these enable the Volocopter to stay in one position accurately as well as automatically, even in turbulence or crosswinds. To land, the pilot only needs to push the altitude control lever down. The Volocopter will descend towards the ground, automatically slowing when close, until it touches down softly. Moreover the Volocopter was flown with an additional load of 120 kg on the seats to simulate the weight of the pilot.

First easy-to-fly helicopter takes off

Safely piloting a helicopter requires a very high degree of piloting skill. Up until now, flying a helicopter has been one of the ultimate challenges in the aviation world. The Karlsruhe-based company e-volo GmbH recently finished its first easy-to-fly helicopter, the 2-seater Volocopter VC200, and performed test flights in the open. In the process, the company’s CEO Alex Zosel remotely flew the Volocopter for the first time – single-handed and only with a joystick. Zosel himself is extremely impressed by how easily and intuitively the VC200 is operated.

Alex Zosel is thrilled after his first flight and explained that “for years, we have claimed that the Volocopter is super easy to fly, now we’ve proven it in a very impressive way. I did not have any experience flying the VC200 before the flight. Nevertheless, it was extremely easy to control and land on the ground. This is a revolution in the history of helicopters. I thank our fantastic development team, which made this possible.”

A video of the flights as well as an outlook on a potential future product portfolio, which consists of unmanned cargo drones for instance for precision agriculture in addition to a 1 and 2-seater, can be found on the e-volo homepage. http://www.volocopter.com/index.php/visionen

In the video, the pilot lets go of the joystick, puts his hands up in the air, and the Volocopter remains in the same place. To land, the pilot only presses down on the altitude control. The helicopter lands completely automatically and very smoothly. The Volocopter was flown with an additional load of 120 kg on the seats to simulate the weight of the pilot.

For more information about e-volo, the Volocopter VC200, product concept, possible applications and visions as well as extensive press material, please see and contact www.volocopter.com