Opener has released its BlackFly multi-copter

The Canadian startup company, Opener, has released a single seat multi-copter called BlackFly. It was designed for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL). One of the key features of the new vehicle is its ease...

The Canadian startup company, Opener, has released a single seat multi-copter called BlackFly. It was designed for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL). One of the key features of the new vehicle is its ease of use. In addition, BlackFly owners will not need a pilot license. However, you must pass a written test in accordance with flight safety rules and complete a short course where the owners will be taught how to operate the device. The company has already received permission for flights in the U.S. and Canada but has not yet announced the date of the start of sales.

The four-meter BlackFly body resembles a boat. It has two wings with a span of 4.2 meters that are installed in the front and the rear and are tilted forward. Each wing has four propellers. The total height of the aircraft is 1.5 meters. The cabin is designed for a pilot with a height of up to two meters and weighing up to 113 kg. The area for landing a BlackFly can be any level platform on land or water. The temperature limits for flights are from 0 to 30 degrees celsius.

During take-off, the BlackFly body turns vertically so that the pilot has his back to the ground. When the required height is reached, the copter assumes a horizontal position.

Two versions of the model will be sold - an international one and one for the United States. In the American version there will be a reduced battery (8 kilowatt-hours), and as a result a smaller range of flight - up to 40 km. The international model with a 12-kilowatt battery can fly without recharging for up to 65 km, and will also be somewhat faster. The maximum speed of the more powerful version is 130 km/h as compared to 100 km/h for the American model.

Opener engineers equipped the new design with an autopilot mode, which can be assigned takeoff, landing, and horizantal flight at the same altitude. The onboard computer will help the pilot to stabilize the position of the copter. Another built-in function is automatic return to the launch site. BlackFly also has a mode to keep a stationary position.

To ensure safety, a parachute compartment is located in the tail section.

One of the investors of the project was the co-founder of Google, Larry Page, who last year supported the development of the Flyer aircraft from the company Kitty Hawk.

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