Tue, Jul 25, 2023
Tilt-Aircraft Architecture Promises Unique Flying Experience
Opener has unveiled its Early Access Program (EAP), a significant milestone towards achieving market readiness and successful commercialization of BlackFly. In addition to allowing early BlackFly owners to take off on adventures, the program enables a select group of participants to provide Opener with invaluable feedback on every aspect of their customer experience.
“We have a sound and novel aircraft design,” said Opener CEO Ken Karklin. “Opener’s EAP establishes a two-way communication channel to inform how we address customer concerns, refine features, and optimize the overall user experience. Our close partnership with early adopters is a huge step toward moving us closer to general release and fulfilling the promise of personal aerial freedom.”
“Flight in a BlackFly is amazing. Even though I’ve been in and around aircraft for years, this is my first time as an official VTOL pilot,” said Tim Lum, BlackFly owner and Opener's first EAP partner. "And the connection with my BlackFly goes well beyond the aircraft itself. It's all the things that Opener does to assist me — from extensive flight training to delivery and ongoing support. The level of hands-on service is off the charts.”
A pioneer in the light eVTOL sector, Opener has busied itself for nearly a decade perfecting BlackFly, the company’s inaugural aircraft offering.
Featuring a unique tilt-aircraft architecture, Opener’s BlackFly is designed to comply with FAA Part 103, which supports consumer recreation and short-hop travel. BlackFly may be operated in Class G airspace over uncongested areas. Moreover, the contraption may be operated by non-pilot certificated individuals. However, to ensure safe operation of its BlackFly eVTOL, Opener requires buyers and pilots thereof to undergo comprehensive flight-training.
Building on the success of BlackFly and leveraging the tilt-aircraft architecture, Opener is currently developing additional manned and unmanned light eVTOL platforms for civilian and military applications.
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