High-speed, Amphibious eVTOL Jet Wins U.S. Air Force Grant

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Valkyrie Systems Aerospace earned a research grant from the U.S. Air Force to continue work on its Guardian HoverJet concept. This full-size, optionally-piloted aircraft takes electric vertical take-off and landing as well as high-speed jet cruise and combines it with hovercraft and amphibious abilities. 

The Guardian looks to use a quadcopter layout with propellers hiding in its large wings. Once off the ground, it utilizes two Pratt & Whitney 545c turbofan engines for a combined 8,200 pounds of horizontal thrust. 

Its dimensions are 24x30x6 feet and it weighs 4,200 pounds empty. With a pilot, cargo and fuel, it adds up to a maximum take-off weight of 12,000 pounds. It runs primarily on jet fuel and electric systems can be tuned for high power.