AFWERX tests electric aircraft at Springfield-Beckley airport

The U.S. Air Force’s AFWERX program is conducting a series of flight tests to evaluate the potential military applications of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The program, in partnership with Modern Technology Solutions Inc. (MTSI), is focusing on unmanned configurations of the BlackFly eVTOL aircraft to assess their capabilities for various mission sets.

AFWERX, the Department of the Air Force’s innovation arm within the Air Force Research Laboratory, and Beavercreek, Ohio-based defense contractor Modern Technology Solutions Inc. evaluate Pivotal’s BlackFly electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft at Springfield-Beckley Airport, Ohio, July 12, 2024. The effort is part of the AFWERX Agility Prime program, which focuses on assessing the aircraft and its supporting ecosystem through an operational leasing initiative to accelerate innovative and emerging technologies that can be transitioned to the warfighter. (U.S. Air Force photo by Matthew Clouse).


Based at Springfield-Beckley Airport, the testing is being conducted in conjunction with the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE). The facility provides the necessary infrastructure and expertise to support the evaluation process.

AFWERX is exploring a range of potential military applications for these aircraft, including logistics, surveillance, and reconnaissance. By operating the BlackFly in an unmanned configuration, the program aims to better understand the aircraft’s performance, limitations, and integration into existing military operations.

The tests include extensive data collection on the aircraft’s flight characteristics, battery performance, and ground operations. This information will be crucial in determining the feasibility of incorporating eVTOL technology into the Air Force’s future operations.

The Agility Prime program, under which these tests are conducted, is focused on accelerating the development and adoption of advanced air mobility technologies. By partnering with industry, AFWERX aims to bridge the gap between commercial innovation and military requirements.

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