FLYING TAXIS


WORLD’S FIRST HYDROGEN HYBRID AIR TAXI HAM 111-2 UNVEILED AT CES 2025


South Korea’s Sambo Motors Group has unveiled the HAM III-2, the world’s first hybrid air taxi powered by both hydrogen fuel cells and batteries, at the Consumer Electronics Show 2025. This two-seater aircraft represents a significant advancement in urban air mobility (UAM) tech- nology, surpassing its predecessor in size, performance, and tech- nological sophistication. “Given its range and flight time, it will be suitable for military pur- poses, messenger and commercial purposes. In the future, it’s going to be for commercial, like, city to city or point-to-point taxis,” a company


representative said. The HAM III-2 boasts an impressive wingspan of 9 meters and a height of 4.5 meters. Its innovative hybrid powertrain allows for vertical takeoff using battery power, minimising noise and emissions, before transitioning to hydrogen fuel cells for horizontal flight, significantly extending range.


The aircraft can achieve a cruising speed of 112 mph with a range of up to 62 miles and a flight endurance of 40 mins. Sambo Motors will commence a series of flight tests in the United States in early 2025, focusing on hydrogen fuel cell operations in the desert to evaluate perform- ance in various conditions. Sambo Motors plans to achieve its maiden flight by the end of the year, a crucial step towards commercialisation. By integrating hydrogen fuel cells, the HAM III-2 addresses the weight limitations of battery-powered aircraft, extending range and enhancing efficiency.


VOLOCOPTER INSOLVENCY SHAKES CONFIDENCE IN EUROPEAN EVTOL INDUSTRY


The insolvency of German air taxi pioneer Volocopter has sent shockwaves through the global mobility sector, raising concerns about the future of the low- altitude economy. Founded in 2011, Volocopter, backed by major investors such as Mercedes-Benz and Intel, was considered a frontrunner in eVTOL technology. But, despite signifi- cant technological advancements, the company struggled to over- come the challenges of regulatory hurdles, high operating costs, and a lack of revenue streams. Volocopter envisioned a future where air taxis would revolutionise urban transportation, offering swift and efficient travel options. But serious questions have been raised


PHTM FEBRUARY 2025


about the economic viability of this mode of transport. The company’s ambitious plans to launch commercial air taxi services during the 2024 Paris Olympics were derailed by delays in obtaining crucial certification which severely hampered revenue generation, leaving Volocopter heavily reliant on continued investor funding. Volocopter’s collapse follows the insolvency of another German eVTOL startup, Lilium, late last year. These setbacks have raised concerns about Europe’s competitiveness in the emerging low-altitude economy. Heinrich Grossbongardt, an aviation expert,


industry’s struggles to


attributed the the


combination of regulatory challenges and high operating costs, which are eroding investor confidence. Analysts have also pointed to the limited economic viability of two-seat air taxis, suggesting that larger-capacity models may be more profitable.. In contrast to the challenges faced in Europe, U.S. companies such as Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation have secured significant govern- ment contracts and private investment. They


have also


secured pre-orders from major airlines such as United, providing a clearer path to commercialisation. China, with its more


flexible


regulatory framework, has also witnessed rapid progress in the eVTOL sector.


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