The Pegasus “Gyroplane” has been around since the early 1960’s but a new hybrid-electric design could finally bring a full production run for the distinctive aircraft.
The intellectual property and rights to the design were bought by ARC Aero System in 2023, and it has been working on a new prototype 2-seater autogyro since. The hybrid vehicle has now been granted CAA E Conditions certification for the “innovative air transport solution.” This adds to its Part 27 Type Certification from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Agency and Transport Canada.
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The CAA approval means the company can begin test flights for the Pegasus.
Although the aircraft boasts vertical landing and take-off abilities, it is not a “plug in” style eVTOL. Instead, the company said it will run on “a range of fuels including hydrogen” to power a hybrid electric engine.
ARC Aero Systems said the aircraft would be suited to rural air ambulance operations, due to its small size and modest requirements for landing and take-off. It has a maximum operating altitude of 10,000ft and a range of 610km.
The company said it has “secured” 15 sales ahead of testing in the UK, including 10 aircraft to an air ambulance provider, SkyAngels.
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By GlobalDataARC’s founder and CEO Seyed Mosheni said the Pegasus was now another step closer to market.
“We are delighted to have secured CAA E Conditions certification for our hybrid version of Pegasus, which enables us to conduct test flights and ultimately bring our innovative air transport solution to market.”
“There is a huge and increasing demand, reflected in market growth forecasts, for an affordable, sustainable, runway-independent aircraft connecting remote rural areas for passengers and cargo. Through our adapted design of the Avian Pegasus, we are developing an aircraft that is already certified by global aviation authority rules and has existing pilot training programme syllabuses,” he added.
“We are at an exciting stage in our development and already securing advance orders for Pegasus demonstrating the wider market confidence in our innovative proposition. This current investment round offers investors an opportunity to join our journey and help drive the business forward as we prepare to enter a market that is set to increase five-fold by the end of the decade.”
