Airbus showed a prototype of an electric air vehicle for urban needs

Airbus has unveiled the prototype of an electric aircraft designed to fly in urban areas: the CityAirbus NextGen.

The first flight of the electric aircraft is scheduled for later this year. With a wingspan of around 12 metres and a range of 80 km, the CityAirbus is expected to reach a cruising speed of 120 km/h.

Weighing 2 tonnes, the four-seater is capable of vertical take-off and landing, making it well suited for urban operations.

According to the company, the recent presentation coincided with the opening of the new test centre for CityAirbus systems in Donauwörth. This facility will focus on testing electric vehicle vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) systems.

The centre became operational in December last year and will be used to complete the ground tests required before the first flight of the CityAirTaxi.

These tests include verifying the functionality of the electric motors and other systems on the aircraft, such as the flight control system and avionics.