LIFT Hexa eVTOL Unmanned Aircraft Completes Maiden Flight

The LIFT Hexa electric, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) unmanned aircraft recently completed its first test flight at Duke Field, the U.S. Air Force has announced.

The unmanned aircraft, piloted via remote control, used 18 motors and propellers to fly for approximately 10 minutes and reach a height of about 50 feet during the test flight.

The test was an important first step toward the incorporating the Hexa into operations at a controlled military airfield.  Duke Field is an auxiliary field located North of Eglin Air Force Base’s main base. This flight was completed by Hexa 09, one of two aircraft stationed at the installation. Hexa 05 was used for the first test flight at Eglin AFB in April.

The 413th Flight Test Squadron, the Air Force’s rotary wing developmental test experts, has partnered with AFWERX’s Agility Prime to advance eVTOL test and experimentation. The unit, located at Duke Field, provides the coordination, logistics and support for the LIFT team’s developmental ground and flight-testing operations.