Meet the AirMule, a compact, unmanned, single-engine, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. Internal lift rotors enable the AirMule to fly inside mountainous, wooded, or urban terrain where helicopters can’t go. The AirMule is able to evacuate two casualties, or haul a fairly significant payload.
Founded by Dr. Rafi Yoeli, Urban Aeronautics Ltd. (UrbanAero) has established an early lead in developing a compact vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicle with no exposed rotors that is tailored to meet FAA requirements for powered lift vehicles and also capable of flying and operating inside complex urban and natural environments.
With more than 25 years experience in aerospace research and development, Dr. Yoeli has assembled a world-class team, including Chief Engineer Mike Turgeman, Flight Control System Specialist Ely Erenthal, and Aerospace engineer Shahar Avneri, working to realize Yoeli’s vision for developing one of the last areas of aviation remaining to be pioneered: “Rotorless” Vertical Take Off & Landing aircraft.
AirMule can quickly deliver water, food and medical supplies directly to affected populations—no matter how isolated—and save lives. You name the emergency, and AirMule will get there, unmanned and reliable, in nuclear, biological or chemical emergencies, or in routine electric grids or bridge inspections, agricultural spraying, offshore oil platform support. It is safer and cheaper to operate, because its pilot stays on base, operating it by remote control.
And in war AirMule offers precise point to point logistic support in battle conditions, where choppers would get chewed up alive. Its maneuverability, small visual footprint, low noise and reduced radar and IR signatures offer a stealth advantage that greatly enhances its effectiveness and survivability in these environments.