Airbility Launches Full-Scale Research on Domestic Development of Electric Ducted Fans
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Airbility Launches Full-Scale Research on Domestic Development of Electric Ducted Fans
Breaking reliance on overseas suppliers for high-speed eVTOL core components, securing domestic technological capabilities
Laying the foundation for technological independence through localization of key components… Vision for a fully domestic aviation solution
Products & Services
AB-U10
Airbility Inc.
The AB-U10 is a 10 kg-class vectored-thrust eVTOL. With a wingspan of 1.8 meters, it features a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 10 kg, a range of over 10 km, a payload capacity of 2 kg, and a maximum speed of 160 km/h. The AB-U10 is a lightweight mission aircraft specifically designed for anti-drone operations, equipped with an integrated net gun system.
AB-U60
Airbility Inc.
The AB-U60 is a 60-kg class vectored-thrust eVTOL aircraft designed for surveillance and emergency logistics. Developed in response to the growing global demand for disaster response and urgent logistics solutions, the AB-U60 can be adapted for a variety of industries, including wildfire monitoring, anti-drone operations, and ship resupply. It combines an advanced fanjet electric propulsion system with a hybrid energy source to achieve high-speed flight and extended endurance.
Airbility’s AB-U60 provides key advantages over competitors, offering high-speed flight of up to 250 km/h and vertical takeoff and landing capabilities for operations in confined spaces. Its low-noise fanjet propulsion system makes it suitable for both urban and suburban missions. The aircraft is also equipped with real-time data analysis and AI-based autonomous flight control systems. These features enable more efficient and safer operations.
Airbility’s AB-U60 provides key advantages over competitors, offering high-speed flight of up to 250 km/h and vertical takeoff and landing capabilities for operations in confined spaces. Its low-noise fanjet propulsion system makes it suitable for both urban and suburban missions. The aircraft is also equipped with real-time data analysis and AI-based autonomous flight control systems. These features enable more efficient and safer operations.
AB-M1300
Airbility Inc.
The AB-M1300 is a 1.3 ton-class eVTOL AAM. With a wingspan of 10 meters, the AB- M1300 is a crewed–uncrewed hybrid aircraft aiming for commercialization in 2028. Falling under the Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) certification category, it can carry up to two occupants, reach a maximum speed of 400 km/h, operate for one hour of flight time, has a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 1.3 tons, and a payload capacity of 200 kg. The AB-M1300 is designed for a variety of missions, including mid-mile logistics, personal leisure use, and pilot training.
Description
Future advanced air mobility (AAM) solutions company Airbility (Co-CEOs Jinmo Lee and Taekyu Ryu) announced that it has officially launched a follow-up R&D project titled “Development of Design Technology for Electric Ducted Fans for Next-Generation Lightweight eVTOL Aircraft” through the Public Technology Discovery and Matching Program of the Commercialization Promotion Agency for R&D Outcomes (COMPA). Participants in the project include Airbility, E-Powertrain Korea (electric motor development), and Sejong University (ducted fan design and analysis), with the Korea Light Aircraft Research Association serving as the lead organization.
The Electric Ducted Fan (EDF) is a core device that generates thrust for high-speed eVTOL aircraft. Until now, such fans had to be imported at high cost from countries like Germany and the United States for integration into aircraft. With this project, domestic design and production will become possible, paving the way not only for reduced aircraft manufacturing costs but also for strengthening the foundation of technological independence in Korea’s aviation industry.
The research team aims to design an 80 kW-class EDF for a next-generation 1.3-ton vertical take-off and landing aircraft, while producing a scaled-down 15 kW prototype for ground testing and flight evaluation. By first verifying performance and safety with the smaller model, the team plans to expand development toward full-scale, large components.
Airbility has already accumulated experience in aircraft integration through its self-developed “AB-U60” unmanned VTOL aircraft. With this localization effort, the company aims to secure core components with domestic technology and present its vision for building a fully domestic aviation solution.
Airbility’s Deputy CEO Minyoung Ahn stated, “The ducted fan is not just a component but a core technology that determines aircraft performance, noise, and efficiency. Through this research, we aim to reduce dependence on overseas suppliers and strengthen our competitiveness in the global eVTOL market.”
The Electric Ducted Fan (EDF) is a core device that generates thrust for high-speed eVTOL aircraft. Until now, such fans had to be imported at high cost from countries like Germany and the United States for integration into aircraft. With this project, domestic design and production will become possible, paving the way not only for reduced aircraft manufacturing costs but also for strengthening the foundation of technological independence in Korea’s aviation industry.
The research team aims to design an 80 kW-class EDF for a next-generation 1.3-ton vertical take-off and landing aircraft, while producing a scaled-down 15 kW prototype for ground testing and flight evaluation. By first verifying performance and safety with the smaller model, the team plans to expand development toward full-scale, large components.
Airbility has already accumulated experience in aircraft integration through its self-developed “AB-U60” unmanned VTOL aircraft. With this localization effort, the company aims to secure core components with domestic technology and present its vision for building a fully domestic aviation solution.
Airbility’s Deputy CEO Minyoung Ahn stated, “The ducted fan is not just a component but a core technology that determines aircraft performance, noise, and efficiency. Through this research, we aim to reduce dependence on overseas suppliers and strengthen our competitiveness in the global eVTOL market.”
