WICHITA, Kan. - Textron eAviation Inc., a division of Textron Inc. in Wichita, Kan., announced plans to conduct flight testing for its Nexus electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at Salina Regional Airport (SLN) in partnership with the Salina Airport Authority in Kansas. These tests will follow initial restrained flight trials, scheduled for 2025 at the National Institute for Aviation Research in Wichita. The testing at Salina will be key to assessing the aircraft's full capabilities.
The Nexus is designed as a zero-emission, multi-mission aircraft powered by a distributed electric propulsion system. Configured for one pilot and four passengers, it features four tilting propellers and two stationary vertical rotors, enabling it to serve in various roles, including passenger transport, public aircraft operations, and cargo delivery.
Textron says the future Nexus eVTOL will be capable of flying 100 nautical miles on a charge at more than 120 knots and, thanks to the aircraft's tilt rotors, landing in densely urban areas or rugged environments.
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Salina Regional Airport has become a hub for uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) testing, having hosted Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight (BVLOS) operations under the FAA's Integration Pilot Program and Beyond initiatives. With its history in UAS operations and access to extensive airspace, Salina offers an ideal environment for the Nexus eVTOL tests.
"Kansas boasts a rich aviation history, and we're proud to work alongside the Salina Airport Authority to test these emerging technologies so close to home," said Kriya Shortt, President & CEO of Textron eAviation. "The support and facilities provided by the Salina Airport Authority are vital as we advance towards bringing the Nexus eVTOL to market."
The flight tests, remotely piloted, will simulate various operational scenarios to evaluate the Nexus's performance under different conditions.
"We are thrilled to partner with Textron eAviation on this exciting project," said Pieter Miller, Executive Director of the Salina Airport Authority. "Salina Regional Airport has a longstanding tradition of supporting aviation innovation, and we look forward to contributing to the success of the Nexus eVTOL program."
