Bell Helicopter revealed a full-scale concept eVTOL on Monday, during the press day at the Consumer Electronics Show 2019 in Las Vegas. The air taxi, namedBell Nexus, is powered by a hybrid-electric propulsion system and driven by Bell’s powered-lift concept, incorporating six tilting ducted fans designed for safety and efficiency. Bell is working with Uber to create VTOLs that will operate on an aerial rideshare network in the first U.S. Uber Air cities of Dallas-Fort Worth/Frisco, Texas, and Los Angeles. Uber’s goal for these cities is make air taxis commercially available on Uber Air in 2023.
Bell is not working alone on the vehicle. Team Nexus comprises Safran, which will provide the hybrid propulsion and drive systems, EPSwill provide the energy storage systems,Thaleswill contribute the Flight Control Computer hardware and software,Moog will develop the flight control actuation systems andGarmin will integrate the avionics and the vehicle management computer. Visitors at CES can view the prototype Tuesday through Friday.
