It’s rare to see an aircraft that impresses with the sheer simplicity of its design. Perhaps the last time the aviation community felt that way was with Opener’s BlackFly, an eVTOL that eliminated the complexity of tilt-rotor and tilt-wing mechanisms, introducing instead an automatic tilting body for vertical takeoff and landing.
The BlackFly was so streamlined it didn’t even need landing gear—just a rub strip on its belly. By removing moving parts and keeping weight low, its performance stood out among single-seat, battery-powered multicopters.
Now, another promising aircraft has emerged: the Skyfly Axe.
A New Approach to eVTOL Design
Unlike the BlackFly’s tilting-body concept, the Skyfly Axe keeps the pilot upright during vertical takeoff. Its configuration is both simple and elegant:
- Canard wing layout with four propellers.
- Each propeller is powered by two motors (35 kW each) for redundancy.
- Propellers are mounted at a tilt, enabling smooth vertical lift and efficient forward flight.
This design allows the Axe to operate as a pure VTOL, but also as a short takeoff and landing (STOL) or conventional aircraft when runway space is available—saving energy and extending range.
Performance and Specifications
The Axe is a two-seat aircraft, available in both all-electric and hybrid-electric versions.
- Cruise speed: 161 km/h (100 mph)
- All-electric range: 161 km (100 miles)
- Hybrid-electric range: 322 km (200 miles)
- Empty weight (without batteries): 182 kg (401 lb)
- Battery pack weight: 246 kg
- Maximum payload: 172 kg (379 lb)
- Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW): 600 kg (1,323 lb)
Energy and Power
- Battery capacity: 48 kWh
- Hover power requirement: 140 kW
- Cruise power requirement: 30 kW
- Available thrust: ~700 kg (16% above MTOW, giving strong lift authority)
Design Features
The Axe’s design cleverly integrates safety, efficiency, and practicality:
- Canard wing configuration with a total wing area of ~10 m².
- Four propellers (diameter: 1.9 m) mounted at 45° on extended spars.
- Wingspan (with props): 8.2 m | Length: 4 m | Height: 3.3 m
- High glide ratio (9:1): Comparable to a Cessna 172, giving the ability to glide to safety in a total power failure.
- Low sink rate: 570 ft/min at 70 mph, slower than a parachute and within FAA safety limits.
- Canard design prevents stall: Instead of stalling, the aircraft noses down and keeps flying.
- Ballistic parachute system available as an extra layer of protection.
Importantly, the Axe features a vertical stabilizer and rudder—something missing in the BlackFly and Vahana. This provides far more responsive yaw control compared to eVTOLs that rely solely on differential propeller thrust.
Realistic Range and Efficiency
Some eVTOL manufacturers advertise ambitious lift-to-drag (L/D) ratios, but real-world results can be less impressive. The Axe’s L/D ratio of 9:1 seems both achievable and practical.
With its 48 kWh battery pack:
- At 30 kW cruise consumption, the math supports the 100-mile range claim.
- Enough energy (~18 kWh) remains for takeoff and reserves.
Battery Mass Fraction
- Axe’s battery mass fraction: 41.3% (248/600 kg).
- While not the theoretical optimum (~66% per Traub’s study), it’s higher than many eVTOL designs (often <35%).
Hybrid Range Extender
One of the Axe’s standout features is its optional rotary engine generator:
- Output: 50 kW
- Weight: Just 55 kg
- Manufacturer: Rotron
- Endurance: Extends flight time to 2+ hours
This hybrid option provides flexibility and reassurance for pilots concerned about range limitations.
Price and Availability
Skyfly is currently taking pre-orders for the Axe.
- Base price: £150,000 (~$175,000)
- Hybrid range extender: +£50,000 (~$58,000)
- Ballistic parachute: +£20,000 (~$23,000)
Considering the low operating costs, multiple takeoff options (VTOL, STOL, conventional), and safety-first design, the Axe positions itself as a practical personal eVTOL rather than just a futuristic concept.
The Verdict
The Skyfly Axe may not be the flashiest aircraft in the eVTOL market, but it stands out for being:
- Simple – avoiding overly complex mechanisms.
- Safe – with redundancy, glide capability, and optional parachute.
- Practical – offering hybrid range, conventional flight, and affordable running costs.
At £150,000, the Axe is not cheap—but compared to many eVTOLs aiming for urban air taxi operations, it could find a niche among private owners, training schools, and early adopters.
The big question now: Will the Axe achieve certification and widespread adoption?