Opener's BlackFly: The Tesla Model 3 of Electric Aircraft

In this video we are going to explore all the technical elements of a Personal Aerial Vehicle, namely the Blackfly.
This aircraft has a 40 mile range on a 8 kWh battery pack. It is one of the most energy efficient way of transport with just 247 Wh of energy per mile.
The Blackfly makes use of tandem wings, distributed propulsion and wheel free landing gear.

[@teddymac3737]

Best video on the Blackfly yet. This is the future now. The black fly is pure genius and they need to get this to market ASAP.

[@austinshupe9626]

I've been following this aircraft for almost 2 years now. Such an amazing machine

[@pauloneill9880]

No frills just facts. This site could teach 90% of other so called tech sites how to do it. Well done.

[@jefferee2002]

Couldn't agree with you more. This man has a real talent for explaining.

[@SubBlackIndustries]

That's exactly what I was thinking! Great vid.

[@dejayrezme8617]

Amazing, that is the first electric air vehicle that looks "feasable" as to really change the game. Simple design, cheap to build, energy efficient, lightweight. Brilliant. Thanks for this well put together video.

[@TheArtOfRevolution]

Wow, I really appreciate the amount of detail you get into on these videos, your channel is binge-worthy stuff. Best channel on electric aviation out there.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

The simplicity of the design, the redundancy and safety features make this an absolute winner 🏆 !

[@someguydino6770]

Thanks for the presentation; I believe that the potential range of this aircraft would greatly increase with a 20-30 % increase in span. Leave the propulsers where they are currently located and extend the wing outboard from there.

[@PeterKrull1]

Fantastic overview. Really smart design of the craft as well. Simple but effective. Apart from the awkward tilt when hovering for landing/takeoff, this has to be one of the most promising designs I have seen.

[@lovetofly32]

Itd be like taking off on a Rocket on liftoff😄

[@LoanwordEggcorn]

The simplicity of this design is a great benefit to its safety. Very elegant design.

[@DeadLegendMusic]

Best of all prototypes, so far!

[@onesadtech]

Wow, this thing is crazy! Fantastic video, covered everything I wanted to know, and I never even heard of this until now. 😂👌

[@SSmith-fm9kg]

Thanks for the video!

[@bdgrandin]

I love this aircraft. I wish it will make it to launch without much design change. Just needs range. A two seat would be great. Very cool. I hope it doesn’t disappear.

[@thomasrudder9639]

They’re logged over 10,000 hours and over 500 takeoffs and landings. Not a single one has disappeared! Jeezzz Harry Potter. Hahaaa

[@hemantdaulta1]

Thank you so much for covering this; so insightful! Truly grateful for the KZbin algorithms to have had me stumble upon your channel. Looking forward to more exciting, enticing content, 🍻!

[@RCnerd74]

Looks great. Thanks for sharing.

[@54V4]

Great video, very well narrated and super informative. Thank you!

[@MaPhy]

Thank you for your work.

[@andrewnorris5415]

Best video I have seen so far on this.

[@tomchang3212]

Great video, I’ve been fascinated by this design. It just makes sense. Have been hungry for more information about black fly and your video filled that void, thank yoy

[@Tharkunify]

I agree with other commenters. This is the best video I have seen on the BlackFly. Very informative.

[@sarahpetersen6040]

Well constructed and informative. Really exciting technology. Keep up the passion. Progress on systems, motors and especially, batteries, must inevitably follow. Have fun Team

[@petercrossley1069]

Excellent presentation! Very enjoyable.

[@calvinlong1265]

I'd love to have one of these!

[@evilchaperone]

Great job. 👍

[@Blackberry21838]

I so desperately hope to see these flying around during my lifetime! God this is cool.

[@BobMinelli]

I'm confident that the Blackfly will be our first intro into individual flight. My only contention is that the noise-level. We're still playing around with fighting gravity. Until then, it's gonna be loud. But freeing, nonetheless.

[@fredbloggs4829]

Another great video.

[@spikelanch]

Howmcan anyone not like this video!?! Well and factually presented. Also, I want one of these!

[@jtsather4535]

That was a spectacular video. Your ability to convey all of the complexities while keeping an informative and unbiased demeanor is stunning. Ever consider doing the news?

[@stefanguiton]

Great video!

[@rozinaakter7147]

Thank you very much for your wonderful content

[@ElectricAviation]

My pleasure!

[@gnsmk357]

great job. very well done video.

[@richardregimbal3142]

Really inventive, I watched it twice!

[@timscroggins2345]

Thank you

[@jameshoffman552]

ingenious design.

[@DJAYPAZ]

Good video with lots of relevant information. Thumbs up.

[@ElectricAviation]

Glad it was helpful!

[@meyaht]

great channel

[@salzen6283]

Great channel and content thank you!

[@ElectricAviation]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@bernardthedisappointedowl6938]

Good stuff, thanks, ^oo^

[@LAR-hs2qt]

Wonderful concept aircraft. I'm trying to imagine, what a possible three seater would look like--and upscale version of this model.

[@Ed-hz2um]

Perfect vehicle for us here in the Adirondacks. Named after our famous local insect.

[@yannickg6904]

Imagine going on an adventure with this, with a single backpack and no planned destination except the next landing spot...😍

[@ElectricAviation]

With foldable solar panels in the back to charge it for the next 60 miles

[@SPLANE9]

Аs always good informative video!

[@ElectricAviation]

Glad you think so!

[@SPLANE9]

@@ElectricAviation maybe you'll make video about my project of plane in a few years when it will be oficially anounced)

[@ElectricAviation]

@@SPLANE9 Sure

[@pieterbezuidenhout2741]

@@ElectricAviation certainly would love a little bit more info about where l can get hold of mine ! [e-mail]

[@pctrashtalk2069]

Typically on a canard aircraft the front wing or canard has a slightly higher angle so that it looses lift first and provides nose down correction preventing the main wing from also loosing lift. A smiliar way could be a different airfoil or perhaps both. I like this design since once flying forward the engines are less critical since the wings provide the lift and it is flying like a airplane.

[@MrFlyingguy]

great video and technical information...... not just waffle.

[@sanjuansteve]

I think tilt wings are best, and possibly with ducted fans/props. I would also add PV cells to all upper surfaces.

[@LeonRamkumar]

Fascinating. I'm curious as to whether they can scale up. Distributing the cells to each motor is such an elegantly simple idea as well!.

[@ElectricAviation]

Thank you very much!

[@fungaioliproductions4619]

It's cool! It reminds me the Slave from star wars

[@puropotencial]

Very good ;)

[@manfredohunterberger2403]

Yes..it fly..cool..

[@PhilSwinsburg]

This was a great video, thanks for posting: Would be good to see the inside of the aircraft and the passenger/operator interface. Thanks.

[@ElectricAviation]

Noted!

[@alwayslive7460]

FINALLY.. THIS I S THE FUTURE.. I WANT ONE

[@alimsaljaber7]

Could you please make a specific video on Ehang? 🙏 being the closest company to actually being given the airworthiness certification (in China) and probably the pioneers in the sector at the moment, and if you could make a video on a summary comparison between Ehang, Joby, Wisk, Archer and Lilium? I would like to thank you very much for your efforts and great content, keep up the good work 🙏👏

[@EdwinWityshyn]

That would be a decent project for someone else to do a "comparison" video - side-by-side - comparing designs, motors, body, electrical system, control system, Fly-by-wire or direct control with wireless remote backup options, and so on... That would be an interesting video. Oh, and of course, cost of operation, maintenance requirements, FAA cert's, etc. Someone, make it happen LOL.

[@ElectricAviation]

Its a good idea to to a comparison video between all of them along with technical details

[@alimsaljaber7]

@@ElectricAviation that really would be amazing 👏👏👏 Great Work, one of the most informative channels I came across 👌🙏

[@goldreserve]

@@ElectricAviation I find it difficult to believe the Eh-216 with its low rotors could pass EASA certification for passengers. How can it be safe in an urban environment? Emergancy landing and bystanders turned into salami. Passengers need to escape from battery fire, more salami. No parachute. What do you think? Great channel btw. Thanks.

[@ElectricAviation]

​ @goldreserve It has a ballistic parachute and it wont be allowed in urban environment from the start. Thank you

[@FernandoAdolfoParis]

I love the syfy look of this aircraft... that said, no body has comment about how easy or difficult is to get in and out of the vehicle...

[@LAR-hs2qt]

She's a beaut. Marvelous ultra-light aircraft combined with its ingenius simplicity of design. Makes you want to fly one--if the bureaucrats can catch up with some sensible regulations planning. Crowded skies here we come...

[@oriy775]

Very informative and clearly you have a good understanding of both Aeronautics and science communication. Would you be able to make a video focusing on efficiency innovations, summarising the differnt innovations from various manufacturers (would be great to include the Celera 500L with its theorhetical electric version). To give us a sense of scale, would be great to make a comparison based on wh/km per person, starting with a 737, 878, then each electric aircraft and showing the Wh reduction achieved from each innovation

[@melvinpolanski7249]

I want one!

[@skunstt]

The Blackfly is by far my favorite , because its kind of affordable great design , wonderfull belly , energy efficient and looks like great fun to fly , it makes total sense , now the waiting is for the actual release date , even for a relatively simple model like this it takes many many years , and the updates given by the company are very little in number since 2018

[@sloth6765]

Agreed. There's so many, WAY TOO MANY vtol designs which are just fantasy CAD. Slapping more motors, gear boxes, linkages, torque tubes, transformer features, more complexity doesn't make it more likely to be a good airplane. This here is a simple design, it's main innovation being to slope the layout about half-way with a curved belly, so it can be both at the same time. That's genius design and eliminates fancy features.

[@dejayrezme8617]

@@sloth6765 Fantasy CAD haha. I guess that is true, this design is by far the simplest and most "feasible" of what I've seen. Very few moving parts to manufacture and assemble here. You basically just need a few molds to build the carbon composite body using vacuum infusion. The rest is no more complex as a DIY quad copter drone. Just bigger motors and battery and presumably some smarter sensors, electronics and programming. But this looks like it could be mass produced for like 10-20k. It's kind of less complex than a velomobile or a car. Just amazing design!

[@sitivi40]

Great video! Amazing vehicle! What are the stats on failures, crashes and injuries?

[@anantghadigaonkar2213]

Thank you for a very good description of the aircraft... and a good video I think the way they have designed the aircraft it's very cool as they just need to control the motor speed to roll pitch and yaw.. the take off seems to be like a camel ride.. where you are thrown to front while camel is standing up.. here we would be put in the back.. I think this would be an inconvenience for people that like simple flights.. Also I think this vehicles power delivery system is pretty good as the weight is distributed and present in the wing of the aircraft..

[@pauloneill9880]

Camel ride. Lol . Brilliantly funny equivalence

[@dejayrezme8617]

Being thrown forward would be inconvenient, but I'd think not backwards. It would feel more like a rocket launch where you are pressed into your seat. It's probably going to be something that people like and enjoy. Just speculation since I'm not a pilot.

[@lovetofly32]

Hahaha that comparison of getting up on a camel is perfect 🤣😄 i could visualize that in comparison perfectly 😄😁😆

[@deldridg]

Yet another fabulous overview and thank you for making it. As I've said before, there are things that concern me for the future of my kids, but your work showcases areas of great potential, excitement and hope for the years ahead. Many regards from Sydney, Aust - Dave

[@abvmoose87]

Have you heard anything about this new patent that would supposedly make it possible to use autorotation for smaller multirotor evtols. It shoots extra air into the rotors wich then gives the extra lift for a safe landing in an event of emergency. The air would be contained highly compressed in a container/tank which will add some weight. I thought the idea was really cool though since lack of autorotation is the highest safety concern with these evtols crafts, except with Jaunt Airs ROSA design.

[@Poisontooth]

I want one so bad! Take my money!

[@DeadLegendMusic]

My favorite of all flying cars, waiting for the 4 seater version. Though they really need to hire a body guy, that finish is hideous!

[@savagecub]

That’s nice and how does it do in icing conditions ??? Just how many waterfowl does it take to turn this thing into a homesick toolbox ?

[@jackspratt4343]

Great CGI

[@RIPPERTON]

Brilliant design No landing gear no flaps no hydraulics

[@robertneuzil9493]

Id like to see complete power failure decent and other emergency scenarios shown.

[@mikehuesser1058]

They have figured out how to manufacture these and I believe are producing one every day. I think you may be able to increase battery storage if you're a licensed pilot.😀

[@guymandude999]

very impressive. Would it add that much weight to add conical bird deflecting screens in front of the props? What happens if a murmuration of starlings comes out of nowhere?

[@Qrozthetics]

They should make room for vision at the pilot legs becuse of the tilt. Just make windows all around the craft. It will have a more futuristic vibe to it aswell. I made a skiss and everything ©

[@farmerbold1144]

I like this VTOL BlackFly very light electric aircraft's design and principle of flight. And it is extremely simple instead of complex, light weight, and with wings thus extending its range and speed while able to land on any surface including water. It is a superior idea and design compared to anything I've seen including some more futuristic looking designs. The price should reflect it's simplicity.

[@nikanand1203]

If the front wing has a lower angle of attack, won't the rear wing stall first, thereby leading to a pitching upwards moment?

[@eddiendirangu]

Great info, short and precise! Except for the cost being an arm and a leg, what's it in dollar terms?

[@ElectricAviation]

BlackFly say that it will be the price of an SUV. I just hope its not a Mercedes SUV

[@demej00]

Does this thing glide with the motors off or does it fall out of the sky?

[@xpeterson]

I assume what was meant was that the front wing has a *HIGHER* angle of attack than the rear wing, so it will stall first as with most canard aircraft

[@gehtdichnixan4704]

Sure, front must stall first so nose pitches down and aircraft gains speed. If back stalls first you're having a hard time.

[@bui340]

Intuitively, I think the spread out of motors to four wings changes things around. And also, the rear and front wing might together stear the air moving over them as of there were only one wing. But I'm only guessing..

[@bui340]

@Richard Wood Yes, your right. I wouldnt want to use it as a glider! I think when the rear wings motors are working they pull and lift like a parachute and if they were to stop it would be like having a net as a parachute! Resulting in a drop to the ground. If there were no pulling between front and rear wing it would be a terrible flight experience with rear part not wanting to remain rear part! Anyways, just speculations from a novis in aviation.

[@wmtrader]

The specs on the "Blackfly USA Version" match the requirements for "FAA Part 103" (Ultralight), no license required. - the American definition of an Ultralight. The specs on the "Blackfly International Version" match the requirements for "FAA Light Sport Aircraft" (LSA), less expensive training than a regular pilot license and no medical required. With this in mind I think we are looking at 2 variants of the Blackfly to be sold in the USA, an Ultralight Version and a LSA Version.

[@pctrashtalk2069]

Ultralight regulations allow for additional weight for water float and a safety parachute. They don't count in the weight limit of 254 lbs. Might help some.

[@Traderhood]

Why are all BlackFly videos silent? Have u ever heard that thing?

[@mariadelacruz1153]

Ive been following BlackFly since its introduction, its the most doable cos of its design and mechanism. Compared to other flying cars ive seen that looks cumbersome because of their complicated designs and multiple big rotors. BlackFly is the most logical doable simplest design there is. Im still dying waiting for it to be available to the market. Its just sad that they still not selling it. I hate waiting lol

[@ElectricAviation]

Same here. I hope they start selling it soon. It seems like they are waiting for the next gen of batteries before the roll it out

[@mariadelacruz1153]

@@ElectricAviation i never thought of the batteries, but yaj that might be the reason while BlackFly isnt on the market yet, but im so excited i want one now lol

[@macrumpton]

The batteries and ESC are right in the airflow of the propellers, so maximum air cooling is possible. I suspect the reason it has the amphibious capability is to qualify for the ultralight category which allows a higher weight for amphibious planes to include the floats. Since the whole fuselage is a float, it easily qualifies. I think the simplicity of operation, redundant safety measures and performance of this vehicle makes it the top contender for a commuter vehicle. I also like the simplicity of construction and compactness as well. They say it will be comparable in cost to an SUV, so I imagine somewhere in the $70k-$90k range.

[@ElectricAviation]

You are right that the amphibious capability was kept to quality for ultra light with higher weight

[@conantdog]

When will it be sold ?

[@johnmontgomery3169]

how much$? and when? I've been very interested in this for a while. can't wait to see it come to market.

[@yussufabukar32]

Don’t quote me but I believe it said to be around $50,000

[@mariadelacruz1153]

Its the price of an SUV, depending on ur country. Here in asia an SUV is 1 million pesos(30k dollars).

[@danielwood719]

I want one.

[@eddiel798]

Sure hope the design is improved. Looks like it has the glide like of a brick.

[@matthewhandy4235]

That's gets 👍👍

[@andreybreski8190]

Hi, how about passive safety? can he glide safely with the engines off and land? Can it hover stably with one external motor off? Among others I really like this project

[@ElectricAviation]

It can land with two propuslors not working and given that each propulsor has its own independent battery unit, I fail to see a scenario where all of them will stop working at the same time. Its got a wing loading of 24 kg/m2 as opposed to a glider which is around 8 kg/m2. So it wont fall like a feather but it also wont fall like a brick either

[@montanalrl6622]

Front wing should have higher angle of attack to stall first and drop the nose into a dive to regain airspeed.

[@scottcubbage2048]

Agreed. I can only image that is actually the case for this aircraft. But a rear wing stall would not be disastrous in this aircraft because, presumably the rear propulsors would be fully powered up by the control system in a rearward stall to counter-act the nose-up pitch, airflow would reattach like with a blown flap, and you would be flying again. Just don't do hard pitching maneuvers when slow and close to the ground and you should be fine. Love this design - I really hope they succeed as opposed to going the way of so many other small aircraft companies in the past.

[@shapethefuturetech6005]

Maybe the best design for PAV.

[@ridesoftail]

I love this design no extra weight of tilling or landing gear if it could get a longer range maybe with a hydrogen fuel cell or better batteries in the future it would be better than driving a car to go somewhere .

[@levinmaa711]

Do you have a patreon account? I really want to support the awesome work of this tiny but growing channel, but there was no information or link as how to do so.

[@ElectricAviation]

I don't have one at present. I might add one if I feel its deserved.

[@silviodalle-nogare8775]

Is it possible to use solar panels on the black fly to increase the range, or is that a dumb question.

[@ElectricAviation]

No its not a dumb question. Triple junction solar cells can increase the range but not by that much. The reason is small wing area of 8 sq meter. You can generate 3.2 kW peak with them on the Blackfly

[@tompurvis1261]

Why not solar panels over each battery for charging during work day?

[@fabricec251]

ticker?

[@philjohnson725]

This is very old news. I thought it was an update, but it's not. The first videos of this aircraft was uploaded two years ago.

[@ocker2000]

Does the international version of the Black Fly require a pilots license? Also is there any indication of the price to potential buyers?

[@ElectricAviation]

Yes because of the higher weight, it doesn't qualify as micro light. Therefore license is required

[@WillieStubbs]

Give it an inflatable belly so it can land on hard surfaces. Can even fill it with helium to give it some lift assistance. I'd like to see a design like that use a gyrocopter rotor so it could autorotate down to the ground during a power failure, and assist in lift as well to save energy.

[@dejayrezme8617]

The belly acts as kind of a wheel I guess. Like a huge wheel for landing but the wheel can only turn like a 6th while the blackfly lands. So while landing the vertical bump can be transformed into a rolling motion and then cushioned by the rotors and clever software. My guess is that the blackfly just needs very sensitive landing computer and a rubberized or very tough surface coating on the belly. Something like UHMWPE (cutting board) or aramid / kevlar to land on asphalt. And if it wears off that part can be fixed. PS: On power failure I guess you pop off the canopy and flap with your arms to steer the vehicle haha

[@mrjones7644]

Who else buying one of these?

[@Richsalvageconsultan]

All In on the Blackfly for it's ability to (maybe) lift off and dodge some sort of e=mc squared event; but I'm afraid that even GM's EV1 would have been more energy efficient, when you compare Payload to Payload. (Also not Entirely Sure that it is very "sound stealthy." The engineers likely think of that as "a Work in Progress.")

[@jacquesstpierre1362]

Does the blackfly glide

[@dubbadan1]

I WANT ONE