Wanfeng + Volocopter = Diamond eVTOL

[ingramleedy]

Just came across some news for Diamond Aircraft.. According to an article from Aviation International News (March 14, 2025), Wanfeng Aviation, Diamond’s parent company, has acquired the assets and IP of German eVTOL developer Volocopter for €10 million. This deal comes after Volocopter filed for bankruptcy late last year, and it’s a major step for Wanfeng to integrate electric vertical takeoff and landing tech into its portfolio. The plan is to transfer Volocopter’s operations to a new Berlin-based subsidiary, Heptus 591, while leveraging Diamond’s expertise. Could this mean we’ll see Diamond-branded eVTOLs in the future?


https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news ... volocopter

[Boatguy]

eVTOLs have always seemed to me to be just a better helicopter. Lower operating cost, less noise and probably an easier path to autonomy. But unless there is some big change in the FARs about where they can land, I don't see how they revolutionize urban travel.

So what am I missing?

[ingramleedy]

Of course I'd like to fly one. ) I could see where a 6 seater+ version might provide commute to larger airports. I'm in-between Orlando and Tampa Airports and driving to either of these airports can be 2 hours or more in frustrating bumper to bumper traffic along I-4.

Whether Diamond does this a foreseeable future, ehh not sure on that. I would like to see more investment and refinement in the current Diamond production, quality, and innovation. Especially with Austro or similar Jet-A engines.

[Karl]

eVTOLs have always seemed to me to be just a better helicopter. Lower operating cost, less noise and probably an easier path to autonomy. But unless there is some big change in the FARs about where they can land, I don't see how they revolutionize urban travel.

So what am I missing?

It's only a matter of time before they can operate pretty much the same way as a helicopter does.

[KJH]

eVTOLs have always seemed to me to be just a better helicopter. Lower operating cost, less noise and probably an easier path to autonomy. But unless there is some big change in the FARs about where they can land, I don't see how they revolutionize urban travel.

So what am I missing?

It's only a matter of time before they can operate pretty much the same way as a helicopter does.

People used to occasionally land helicopters in and out of my house's garden. If an eVTOL can do that, I'm in, even if it can only get me to the airport quicker, which is currently a 40-minute drive.

[Don]

I believe the electric air taxi VTOL aircraft industry is going to have a lot of competition. This past year we finished up on the out the window 240 degree FOV visual system for a Level D simulator minus the motion platform. It will be interesting to see how many companies who will actually make it to the finish line.