Proprietary Carbon Fibre Construction. Frost resistant airframe. Hybrid electric propulsion. Introducing the Paragon Soar…
Not all vertical takeoff and landing aircrafts (eVTOL) are made equal. Take Paragon Aerospace’s latest work for example; the next generation of their aircraft design is known as the ‘Soar’, and it possesses a unique powertrain that uses a direct combustion of liquid hydrogen for travel – nifty.
Soar’s rotating fans give it the ability to do vertical takeoff and landings ala a helicopter, while the fixed wings allow for horizontal takeoff and landing aka a conventional airplane. The rear two of its eight large-ducted turbofans tilt to provide forward thrust, while the smaller ones help with stability, control, and guidance.
It is when it is horizontal that it does its best work, getting efficient air taxi range figures between 480 – 1287 km depending on the configuration, load, and pilot skill.
With a sleek aerodynamic body that’s part plane, part copter, Soar at least looks the part. It’s inside the powertrain that things get a little more interesting, as Paragon intends to burn liquid-hydrogen fuel in a battery-run hybrid system. The goal here is: reduce emissions while maintaining a minimal three hours of flight time.
Nice in theory, but Aviation-grade liquid hydrogen-based systems are in early stages of development, so introducing a new eVTOL aircraft with this powertrain to market today seems optimistic. Apart from the obvious technical, mechanical, and governmental hurdles – a billion dollars in investments is needed to create a functional infrastructure.
Not deterred though, Paragon is planning to build a 730 acre factory and ‘vertiport’ in Texas, near SpaceX’s launch sites. The company expects to launch a prototype of Soar in 2024; if successful, they’re hoping to go mainstream – providing a first class travel experience at an Uber Pool rate.
By Bill Varetimidis
For the full article grab the June 2023 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
