The Ryse Recon, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) craft, offers a futuristic flying experience reminiscent of Aladdin’s magic carpet, but with the modern twist of joystick controls. With just a 15-minute tutorial, users can master the joysticks: the left controls altitude, and the right manages speed and direction. Despite the thrill of flying without a pilot’s license, the experience is both legal and safe, thanks to specific FAA regulations.
The FAA predicts that within two years, we’ll see single-seater eVTOLs flying over remote areas, and by 2030, air taxis could dominate urban skies. Anderson Cooper’s flight in Lift Aircraft’s Hexa showcased the rapid advancements in remote-controlled eVTOL technology. The Ryse Recon boasts a top speed of 63 mph and can cover approximately 20 miles in 25 minutes on a single charge. The FAA’s Part 103 Ultralight category allows for such eVTOLs, with restrictions like a 254-pound weight limit and a 63 mph speed cap, making them ideal for wilderness and beachfront adventures.
Ryse Aerotech’s debut customer plans to slash his commute from 25 minutes to a mere 120 seconds using the Recon. Retailing at $150,000, the Ryse Recon features an aluminum frame, six 40 Kv electric motors, and a 100-volt DC battery, emphasizing safety through system redundancy. The craft’s intuitive design ensures that even beginners can experience the adrenaline rush of flying, with the added safety of auto-landing features. Speed regulations vary by altitude, with the Recon reaching 12 mph at 10 feet and a maximum of 63 mph at 35 feet.
Ryse Aero Technologies envisions the ultralight RECON eVTOL as a solution for advanced field scouting, outperforming its UAV counterparts. The buzz around eVTOLs, especially air taxis, is growing, despite challenges like high costs and regulatory barriers. Founded in 2021, Ohio-based Ryse Aero Technologies is pioneering the eVTOL market with its Recon ultralight aircraft, designed for both land and water takeoffs and landings. Weighing 286 pounds, the Recon is classified as an ultralight aircraft, meaning it’s designed for solo flights and can’t transport heavy cargo. The FAA doesn’t mandate a specific number of training hours for ultralight aircraft, making the Recon accessible to virtually anyone after just an hour or two of instruction.
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Ryse is currently testing the Recon with farmers, highlighting its potential in agriculture, especially in addressing challenges like soil compaction. Soil compaction, a result of weight on soil, can hinder root growth and cause oxygen deficiencies, a concern the Recon aims to mitigate. Beyond preventing soil damage, the Recon offers farmers a time-saving solution, covering 20 miles in roughly 25 minutes. In the agricultural sector, where equipment like tractors can cost up to $500,000, the Recon’s $150,000 price tag seems more reasonable.
Ryse estimates the Recon’s lifespan to be between eight to ten years, based on rigorous environmental and sensor testing. The company has already secured reservations amounting to $15 million in potential revenue, indicating a strong market demand. The FAA’s Part 103 ruling on ultralight aircraft emphasizes recreational use, but Ryse believes its eVTOL can enhance business operations without violating regulations. Ryse is ramping up its production capabilities, aiming to manufacture 10 units monthly in 2023 and scaling to 100 units by 2025. To date, Ryse has raised $5.5 million and is seeking an additional $25 million in its Series B funding round to boost production.
Ryse’s vision extends beyond just transportation; it’s about revolutionizing industries, from agriculture to urban commuting. As eVTOLs like the Ryse Recon take to the skies, the future of transportation is not just about reaching destinations, but also about the journey itself.