Photo above – Watching a Pivotal BlackFly are experts from 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.
Pivotal has announced it has completed delivery of 13 BlackFly aircraft to customers across the country. Pivotal’s prototype eVTOLs are currently being flown by private owners and the U.S. Air Force across numerous states, including California, Delaware, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, and Washington, as part of the company’s Early Access Program (EAP).
Pivotal has built scores of aircraft, refined, tested, and enhanced its patented tilt-aircraft VTOL technology, which delivers unparalleled simplicity, inherent high reliability, lower weight and system cost. Today, Pivotal has the most mature technology in the light eVTOL category.
“With 13 prototype eVTOL aircraft delivered and early adopters on board, we’re achieving our mission of transforming the power of flight,” said Ken Karklin, Pivotal CEO. “After receiving their aircraft, and across both consumer and defense circles, our EAP partners have strong praise for how Pivotal’s aircraft perform.”
“The day that my BlackFly arrived in Massachusetts was one of the most memorable days of my life. I had been expertly trained and approved to pilot the aircraft by Pivotal,” said owner, Patrik M. “When I took off from my front yard, I felt an indescribable sense of awe. It was as if the aircraft understood my subtle directions and took me for an adventure.”
The United States Air Force also took delivery of Pivotal BlackFly aircraft for evaluation by MTSI and AFWERX Agility Prime. Together they assessed a host of benefits across diverse applications and tested a range of remotely piloted missions. As part of the agreement, Pivotal delivered flight simulators, pilot training and support services in addition to the aircraft.
