Valkyrie moves forward with High-Speed VTOL development

Valkyrie Systems Aerospace is moving forward with the development of a high-speed electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft after receiving an undisclosed research grant from the US Air Force.

As part of the AFWERX High-Speed Vertical Takeoff and Landing (HSVTOL) concept challenge, the grant will allow the company to conduct further research and development on its HoverJet Guardian concept, which seeks improved speed over existing VTOL aircraft.

According to Valkyrie, the HoverJet Guardian will possess agile mobility to support four critical military missions, including infiltration and exfiltration of special operations forces, personnel recovery, aeromedical evacuation, and tactical mobility.

The eVTOL is expected to have a cruising speed of 340 miles (547 kilometers) per hour, a transonic top sprint speed of 700 miles (1,127 kilometers) per hour, and an endurance of 15 hours at altitudes up to 40,000 feet (12.2 kilometers).

The HoverJet Guardian will reportedly offer three modes of operation: aircraft, hovercraft, and amphibious, capable of water landings.