PiAC had obtained an exclusive license for the CoAX-2D two-seat coaxial helicopter from edm aerotec GmbH. The edm aerotec, situated in Geisleden, Thuringia, Germany, has a joint development and license arrangement that extends to various disciplines of research and development (R&D).
The CoAX-2D was created by edm aerotec and approved as a Light-Sport Aircraft by the German airworthiness authority. The deal gives PiAC exclusive rights in North America to manufacture, distribute, and support the CoAX-2D, as well as a collaborative framework for future research and development. “For both edm aerotec and PiAC, this is a fantastic opportunity. PiAC President and CEO John Piasecki noted, “The two firms share a similar pedigree, and the alliance extends market and R&D potential for both companies.” “The collaboration with PiAC is a milestone for edm aerotec, since not only can the CoAX be established in America, but both partners can also continue to grow and complement their know-how – this is the right prerequisite for future advances,” said Anja Ernst, CEO of edm aerotec.
PiAC has purchased two CoAX-2D helicopters for engineering and flight testing in order to meet short-term research and development goals. PiAC will perform a commercial and technical feasibility evaluation as part of the cooperation to determine the best route forward for obtaining FAA certification. Training, personal transport, utility inspection, and other applications needing two-person helicopter capabilities are all possible markets. PiAC expects a significant expansion in access and use of vertical lift mobility for both personal and commercial applications as a result of advancements in Simplified Vehicle Operation (SVO).
PiAC CEO John Piasecki presented details on the PA-890 hydrogen fuel cell-powered slowed-rotor winged compound helicopter at the 1st H2-Aero Symposium & Workshop, conducted by the Vertical Flight Society in Long Beach, California, and online on March 29–30. In addition, he stated for the first time that the business will test the edm aerotec CoAX-2D as the testbed for what would most likely be the world’s first human-carrying hydrogen-powered helicopter flight test. A high-temperature proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell with an output of 80 kW would be used in the hydrogen-powered CoAX-2D.
