California-based Jump Aero has unveiled the design of its first all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) first response aircraft, which has been in development since 2019.
Called the JA1 Pulse, the new eVTOL aircraft is designed as a one-passenger aircraft to help medical professionals arrive at the scene of a rural emergency as fast as possible with critical lifesaving equipment and save lives.
The rapid response eVTOL aircraft is planned to have a top speed of 250 knots (463 km), making it the fastest form of sustainable personal transportation. The primary goal is to provide the largest coverage radius within the critical 8-minute emergency response window.
The JA1 Pulse can fly one trained professional plus emergency equipment to unimproved landing zones in rural areas.
The JA1 Pulse has a maximum payload capacity of 150 kg (331 lb), can be deployed in less than 60 seconds, and should arrive at any location within 50 km in less than 8 minutes. It is equipped with eight independent and cross-linkable 11 kWh batteries, all of which can be charged simultaneously via a single port.
“Jump Aero’s aircraft concept and development strategy focusing on rapid emergency response has potential for defense-related use-cases and is complementary to the other eVTOL programs that the U.S. Air Force’s Agility Prime program has engaged with to date. We look forward to working with Jump Aero to help mature their dual-use technology,” said Lt Col John Tekell, Agility Prime Program lead.
The company also announced that the first full-scale prototype would be partially funded by the United States Air Force and confirmed the first commercial order from Falck Ambulance Services.
Jump Aero has won $3.6 million in contracts from the U.S. Air Force to accelerate the company’s technology development. The latest $1.8 million Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) will be used to fund the first full-scale proof-of-concept prototype.
