Pegasus E VTOL: The Sky is No Limit
Pegasus E: The Sky is No Limit
The world's first drivable VTOL flying car, enhancing transportation and emergency response operations.
The Pegasus E is the world's first truly drivable vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) flying car, requiring no runway. Developed by Pegasus International Group and designed in collaboration with Design + Industry, this vehicle is engineered to enhance specialty force operations (police, paramedic, and border control), as well as personal transportation promoting regional connectivity.
The Pegasus E achieves a flight range of 450 kilometres with a 60-liter fuel tank and a top flight speed of 160 km/h. On the road, it offers a 70-kilometer range on battery power alone, reaching speeds up to 120 km/h. It transitions from driving to flying in just three seconds, with automatic contractible controls, ensuring a smooth switch between modes. Combining electric and petrol power, the Pegasus E offers remarkable versatility. It seamlessly transitions between driving and flying, fitting into a standard car park and taking off from virtually any location. In the event of a power failure, the vehicle can safely autorotate to the ground.
D+I played a crucial role in the development of the Pegasus E, focusing on both exterior and interior styling (A-surfacing) and CAD development. The contribution of expertise ensured the vehicle's functionality, aerodynamics, and aesthetic appeal. The result is a vehicle that performs exceptionally well and turns heads with its dramatic supercar-like side intake pods and exposed carbon fiber panels. The Pegasus E's monocoque chassis can be manufactured in less than two days with minimal labor, bypassing the heavy machinery typically required in composite manufacturing. This efficient production process allows for rapid scaling and deployment. Its design features a pioneering semi-monocoque chassis crafted from aircraft-grade 6061 and 7075 T6 aluminum, certified 4130 Chromoly steel tubes, and advanced pre-preg carbon fibre, ensuring structural integrity for road use while maintaining the lightness required for flight.
The Pegasus E is registered as airworthy by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in Australia. This certification ensures it meets rigorous safety standards, allowing it to operate within stringent regulatory environments. It can be flown in Australia under current airspace regulations by anyone with a helicopter pilot's license, and it is in the process of obtaining VicRoads certification for road use.
The urban air mobility market is projected to reach a valuation of up to $1 trillion by 2040. With its innovative design and functionality, the Pegasus E is well-positioned to capture a significant share of the urban air mobility market, providing a versatile solution for both private and public sector applications. Its ability to drastically reduce travel time—turning a one-hour road journey into a 15-minute flight—makes it invaluable for emergency services, particularly in rural and remote areas. This vehicle is also a strong contender for the burgeoning AirTaxi market, especially in regions like the Gulf Co-Op Council countries and the USA.
Pegasus International Group is part of a broader effort to strengthen economic ties between Australia and the UAE. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) under negotiation could pave the way for Australian-manufactured vehicles like the Pegasus E to enter the UAE market, further boosting its international presence.
As this future industry continues to expand, the Pegasus E stands out as a transformative innovation demonstrating Australia’s local design and manufacturing capability to develop new solutions to complex transportation challenges for global markets. Its dual functionality, combining air and road capabilities, addresses critical challenges in the current landscape, offering a safe, fast, and reliable transportation option. With 10 vehicles already on order and a strong strategic position, the Pegasus E is set to make a significant impact on the future of transportation.
To learn more, visit bepegasus.com and design-industry.com.au
