We have successfully flown N1000-XSS1 on December 4th, demonstrating this initial proprietary airframe design. The XSS1 is a 10th-scale airframe of the first version of our sustainable business jet concept. This marks a key milestone for us, providing tangible proof that the over-the-wing distributed ducted fan propulsion system is technically viable. The flight’s success provided us with key evaluation points around the performance of this airframe configuration, its flight characteristics, and its limitations as well. The successful combination of the distributed propulsion system with a conventional airframe is indeed feasible.
The N1000 subscale prototype was built in less than a month using bespoke and off-the-shelf parts. The aircraft was piloted by Chief Engineer Brian Morgan and was in the air for 1 minute and 23 seconds for three go-arounds and both gear-down and gear-up fly-overs.
Through analysis of these flight tests and advanced CFD as well, we will optimize our design efforts and focus now on building a large, ¼-scale proof-of-concept airframe for flight tests in 2025.
