Volocopter 2X
Volocopter · Germany · first flew 2017 · light aircraft
The Volocopter 2X is a German electric multicopter air taxi with 18 independently controlled fixed-pitch rotors on six radial arms, designed for urban air mobility in the two-passenger segment. It flew its first crewed test in 2017 and has since performed public demonstrations in Dubai and Singapore.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 3.2 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | No tailplane |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- 18 small fixed-pitch rotors arranged on six Y-shaped arms — resembles a giant drone
- Open two-seat side-by-side pod with no wings or tail surfaces
- Fully electric with nine interchangeable battery packs
Immediately identifiable as a large multicopter with 18 small rotors on a hexagonal arm framework above an open two-seat pod. There are no wings, no tail, and no fuselage in the conventional sense — the entire aircraft is essentially a cockpit pod suspended beneath a rotor array.
Specifications
- The Volocopter 2X has a length of 3.2 m (10 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.15 m (30 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 100 km/h (62 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 (side by side).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Volocopter GmbH of Bruchsal, Germany developed the 2X from earlier research prototypes, securing investment and public attention with a crewed Dubai flight in 2017. The aircraft is intended as a stepping stone toward commercial air taxi operations, with the larger VoloCity model targeting certification. The 2X itself serves primarily as a technology demonstrator.
Variants
The VoloCity is the follow-on commercial design; the 2X remains a demonstrator variant.
Where you'll see it
Public demonstration flights in Dubai (2017), Singapore (2019), and at European aviation events; not in commercial service.
Related aircraft
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