Revised Aircraft Sports Refined Styling, Design, Ahead of Production

Czech sustainable aviation manufacturer-to-be, Zuri, has announced the first evolution of its aircraft. The new Zuri in the works is currently designated within the company as ZURI 2.0, with a dedicated freight version, the Zuri 2.0 CARGO. The concept takes the original hybrid VTOL aircraft and adds recent developmental experiences gleaned since last summer's tech demonstrations and hover testing. 

The 2.0 will see tweaks to some of the fundamental parameters of the Zuri 1.0, including aerodynamic profiles, control systems, required power output, and styling. The new aircraft is slated to offer more variety in its trim levels, including a VIP version that seats 3 in comfort, a 4-seat Executive, and the aforementioned freight hauler. Cruising speed has been lightly revised to just over 185 miles per hour, and cruise range remains steady around 435 miles. Zuri says this specification is essentially locked in, however, making the 2.0 design the norm going forward. Zuri has built smaller, fully functional demonstrators of the revised aircraft and says the resulting tiltmotor-propelled hybrid aircraft is in a fine fettle. 

EASA certification will be the first approval to tackle, Zuri says, saying that " in the first years, VTOL ZURI will be intended only for the European market and markets where EASA certification is valid. ZURI is also interested in obtaining FAA certification for the North American market in the next step." Once in service, the company sees their product as taking a bite out of the regional air transport market, noting that the pressure on small carriers from regulators and industry groups to reduce greenhouse emissions and fuel usage. The Zuri's hybrid and electric makeup could provide a quick way for regional operators to add sustainability to their fleet, or replace thirstier legacy aircraft. They also note the small takeoff and landing footprint required for the aircraft, saying "Zuri can significantly expand regional air transport as VTOL technology does not need expensive airport infrastructure and thus provides take-off and landing from existing small airports, heliports, or any VTOL certified place with dimensions of about 25 by 25 meters (6,700 square feet)." 

FMI: www.zuri.com