One of the world’s newest and most advanced air mobility companies LYTE Aviation is launching a new market disruptor.
LYTE unveils its 40-seater hybrid eVTOL SkyBus and SkyTruck. Each design will complement the other with a 4.5-tonne payload and is designed to beat the economics and the efficiencies of current helicopters in the market.
Accordion to the manufacturer, the SkyBus will feature two separate engine (propulsion) systems, with one electric and powered by hydrogen fuel cells with the other alternative being jet fuel and/or sustainable aviation fuel.
Founder & CEO, Freshta Farzam, commented on the prototype: “The use of turbine engines will likely remain unavoidable for the foreseeable future, so in order to achieve useful and business-sensible ranges as well as quicker time to market, we have opted for a hybrid, partly electric VTOL.”
She added: “My personal inspiration for this operating concept stems from the Rotodyne aircraft of the 1950s. Imagine 70 years after accomplishing those 350 successful test flights, what can be achieved thanks to the technological advances that we have seen, and continue to see.”
LYTE Aviation’s Design Langauge
The British aviation firm’s LA-44 design is being shown for the first time today. The machine is powered by four turbine engines powered by sustainable fuel (SAF), along with combined support from the four electric, motors installed on the wingtips for stability and balance.
The company’s top woman stated on the propulsion system: “Conventional, highly reliable turboprops are the best option for our aircraft program for the time being, with the aim to operate and refuel practically anywhere with the current infrastructure.”
“With the constant evolution and expected investment in global infrastructure, including vertiports, energy sources (SAF & green Hydrogen), and electric power plants, the ambition would be to become fully hydrogen-electric. We are focusing on facilitating the easy movement of passenger and cargo air transportation in a fast, safe, cost-effective, and sustainable way.”
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“SkyTruck will be designed to deliver time-sensitive cargo faster from point to point, without reliance on runways, designed for the time-critical demands of the onshore and (especially) offshore industry.”
LYTE Aviation’s Extreme Reliability
The public can rest assured that the LA-44’s design language puts safety and reliability in mind. The machine can be operated in rough operational conditions or in remote areas.
To add extra capability, the machine comes with a 4.5-tonne payload and 17 tonnes gross weight. This means that the LA-44 could be used for mass transit capabilities.
Early Collaborators
Inmarsat and Inflight Canada are partners from an early stage they share a common vision for the growing aviation market.
Senior Director of ITM at Inmarsat Anthony Spouncer, commented on the partnership: “Inmarsat is excited to team with LYTE Aviation and be a key partner in delivering a safety information service to and from the LA-44 platform, as part of a line-fit delivery program for its hybrid electric vehicle.”
“Inmarsat has been a trusted provider of critical safety communications for aviation for over 30 years. Its systems are assured, proven, and available line-fit with major OEMs globally.“
General Manager of Inflight Canada George Smallhorn, commented: “IFC is very excited and keenly interested in participating in developing a SkyTruck version of the LA-44.”
“With a range of 1000km and the flexibility of vertical operations, the sheer usefulness of this aircraft is well beyond the current technology in use today.”
About LTYE Aviation
LTYE is a British company based in London and Hamburg Germany. They have a vision of revolutionizing eVTOL mobility in urban areas.
