by AeroHT, a Chinese aircraft manufacturer, has released a video showcasing its innovative low-altitude multi-parachute system, which successfully executed a soft landing from just 50 meters (164 feet) above the ground. This groundbreaking safety mechanism offers a viable solution to potential catastrophic propulsion failures in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
For years, the aviation industry has contemplated the practicality of using ballistic parachutes as a last-resort safety measure, particularly in situations where deployment time is severely limited due to low-altitude conditions. AeroHT has brilliantly addressed this concern by demonstrating the deployment of its multi-parachute safety system from an X2 manned multicopter prototype merely 50 meters above the ground. The chutes quickly filled with air, approximately 1.5 seconds after being propelled out of the front of the aircraft, and completely deployed within the subsequent 1.5 seconds. Remarkably, the parachutes prevented the X2 from flipping over and managed to maintain a descent speed of 5.2 meters per second (18.7 kilometers per hour or 11.6 miles per hour) before touchdown.
To provide a seamless viewing experience, AeroHT edited the video to omit potential violent swings and the moment of impact with the ground. The company affirms that the aircraft remained undamaged. Though the landing may not have been comfortable due to the lack of visible suspension systems, it would likely be survivable for any passengers on board. Interestingly, the landing speed of 5.2 meters per second is comparable to executing a 1.4-meter high jump with no apparent mechanism to absorb the impact on the spine.
Ordinarily, an object dropped from a height of 50 meters would reach the ground in approximately 3.2 seconds, at a significantly higher speed of around 31.3 meters per second (113 kilometers per hour or 70 miles per hour). Therefore, while a parachute landing following a catastrophic failure may not be pleasant, it is undoubtedly preferable to experiencing a hard impact at a much higher velocity.
Although it would have been ideal to view an unedited version of the video, the current footage appears plausible, and it is understandable that AeroHT would omit segments showing potential cabin swings or a forceful landing to maintain the credibility of their claims. Given these circumstances, it is reasonable to grant AeroHT the benefit of the doubt.
In addition to showcasing its multi-parachute system, AeroHT also presented other notable innovations at the Xpeng Tech Day 2023, an event hosted by its parent company, Xpeng. These included a six-wheel-drive “aircraft carrier” van and the latest iteration of their flying supercar.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
