Modern Technology Solutions (MTSI) and its partner SOAR Oregon (SOAR) have been awarded a Flight Test and Range Services contract by A³, the advanced projects and partnerships outpost of Airbus Group.

The contract is a part of the Vahana A³ project, which is an electric, self-piloted flying vehicle platform being developed for individual passenger and cargo transport.

"This unique air vehicle will challenge traditional flight test methodologies."

It intends to advance automated electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) flight for the emerging on-demand mobility market.

Under the contract, MTSI and SOAR will work on the prototype Alpha Phase, which involves the identification and resolution of major technical and certification risks, culiminating in a flight test demonstration at the end of this year.

The flight test will be led by MTSI while SOAR will provide test range support and other services.

MTSI director civil and commercial and project manager Paul Linnell said: “This unique air vehicle will challenge traditional flight test methodologies.

“Vahana sought out industry partners with deep experience in flight test and unmanned aircraft test range services to support this innovative project and they found that in MTSI and SOAR Oregon.”