ERC and DRF begin flight tests of hybrid eVTOL for medical and emergency missions

Flight testing is underway for ERC System’s latest hybrid electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) prototype, marking a key step toward a new generation of aircraft designed for patient transport and other critical operations. The aircraft began test flights in Erding, near Munich, in partnership with German air rescue provider DRF Luftrettung.

Weighing 2,735kg with a 16m wingspan, the prototype is among the largest and heaviest all-electric aircraft ever flown in Europe.

The aircraft is being developed primarily for interhospital transfers and post-primary transports where advanced in-flight medical intervention is not required. These missions are increasing as hospitals specialize and distances between facilities grow.

ERC has said it sees strong potential for public safety and special missions, including disaster response, rapid logistics, and personnel transport in areas where runways are unavailable, but speed and range are critical.

Vertical Aerospace recently secured a Singapore grant for eVTOL air ambulance trials.