Fledgling eVTOL Company Offers Equity Through Crowdfunding Platform

Doroni Aerospace introduced its showroom model, digital replica, and 1:1 scale propulsion system to investors during a webinar Q&A on the crowdfunding platform StartEngine. The Florida venture's H1 is an electric, multirotor vertical takeoff aircraft with seating for 2, geared at tackling the urban air mobility market. The company shared a portion of its beliefs for the future, saying that the H1 will find interested buyers in public services, regulatory agencies, civilian, and law enforcement. 

The H1 is slated to carry up to 500 lbs of cargo when piloted remotely, or a pilot and up to 200 pounds of passenger/payload. It will include an energy dissipating, lightweight body with cabin air bags, an emergency parachute, and an anti-collision avoidance system. The aircraft will include many common eVTOL hallmarks, from the fly-by-wire control systems to the combined fuselage, ducted rotors, and fixed-wing design made to increase lift and reduce drag while allowing maximum vertical thrust. Current specifications make mention of a "redundant hybrid energy backup", but the majority of its power needs will be met by a lithium-ion battery. The current phase 2 mockup has attained liftoff with a full-scale, 643lb. prototype. Hovering tests have helped direct some Phase 3 design targets and necessary changes.

With further investment, Doroni will complete the design proper of the single and 2-seater aircraft then finalize the propulsion and control systems. With prototypes built, performance, aerodynamics, load, and flight testing can be started prior to airworthiness certifications. Once approval is in hand, the company will open its production facility and attempt to carve out a piece of the AAM market for themselves. 

Doroni hopes to have one variant of their H1 certified under the Light-Sport rules for easier sales. They see the H1 as the archetypal flying car, something users can park and charge in a 2-car garage, then fly with a driver's license. The urban air mobility market is a hot commodity, with everyone from small-time garage operations, to the goliath aero/auto companies looking to make "The Tesla of eVTOLs". Doroni has raised $305,000 so far, with a $14 million valuation. Shares are $1 each, with a minimum 250 share buy-in for equity.

FMI: www.dorani.io, www.startengine.com