First flight for scale model of Flying-V

The researchers, engineers and a drone pilot conducted the trials in Germany following wind tunnel testing and a series of ground tests in the Netherlands.

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Developed with input from airline KLM, the aircraft integrates the passenger cabin, cargo hold and fuel tanks in the wings, creating a V-shape.

Project leader Dr Roelof Vos and his team worked with Airbus on testing the 22.5kg and 3m wide scale model, which required the pilot to take-off, fly a number of test manoeuvres and approaches until the batteries were nearly empty and land.

In a statement, Dr Vos said: “One of our worries was that the aircraft might have some difficulty lifting-off, since previous calculations had shown that ‘rotation’ could be an issue. The team optimised the scaled flight model to prevent the issue but the proof of the pudding is in the eating. You need to fly to know for sure.”