Photo: Volocopter - Matthias Sing, ADAC
A major step for urban air mobility and future air rescue operations
Volocopter has reached an important milestone on the path toward real-world eVTOL operations. In a global first, experienced pilots from ADAC Luftrettung operated the VoloCity electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft under supervision in a real-world environment, supported by the SimX Ground Station.
The test marks a significant development for urban air mobility and the possible future use of electric aircraft in rescue services. For the first time worldwide, experienced pilots outside the traditional circle of test pilots flew such an aircraft using VR-assisted systems. This is particularly relevant because future deployment of eVTOL technology will depend not only on aircraft certification and technical performance, but also on usability, training concepts, operational procedures and acceptance among real-world operators.
For the participating ADAC Luftrettung pilots, the project offered the rare opportunity to transfer their operational and technical expertise from helicopter and fixed-wing aviation to an entirely new aircraft concept. The tests focused on the transferability of existing pilot experience to new flight systems, the user-friendliness and efficiency of the ground station, and the interaction between aircraft, pilot and ground infrastructure.
Aaron Erd underlined the significance of the project: “This first flight represents an important step toward making eVTOL technology accessible for real-world deployment. Having air rescue pilots – not just test pilots – operate such a system under realistic conditions is a decisive step toward scaling and broad acceptance of this technology.”
The insights gained during the flights will support the further development of training concepts, operational procedures and safety standards for eVTOL systems. At the same time, the project highlights the potential of integrating innovative electric aircraft into existing rescue and mobility frameworks.
Matthias Sing was impressed by the handling of the aircraft: “The flight characteristics are impressive. The aircraft is very stable and responds precisely to control inputs. With the VoloCity, we have an excellent platform for deploying this new technology in our initial pilot operations.”
The joint research project combines ADAC Luftrettung’s decades of operational experience with advanced simulation and control technology from the SimX Ground Station. Together, the partners are creating a valuable foundation for the next generation of air rescue and urban air mobility.
For the broader mobility sector, the project demonstrates how electric aviation is becoming increasingly relevant as part of the future mobility ecosystem. eVTOL aircraft such as the VoloCity are not only a technological innovation, but also a potential building block for cleaner, faster and more flexible mobility solutions in urban and emergency scenarios.
eVTOL and other electric aircrafts are welcome to apply for the eMove360° Award 2026
Innovations such as eVTOL aircraft, electric vehicles, autonomous mobility solutions, charging technologies, battery systems, AI-based mobility concepts and other forward-looking electric mobility projects are very welcome to apply for the eMove360° Award for Electric & Autonomous Mobility 2026.
The award honors outstanding innovations that are shaping the future of electric, autonomous and connected mobility.
Apply now and present your innovation to the international eMove360° network:
https://www.emove360.com/awards/emove360/
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