AutoFlight unveiled a zero-carbon floating vertiport designed to solve the critical infrastructure challenge facing eVTOL air taxis. The solar-powered platform operates on a self-propelled barge, providing mobile charging and landing capabilities for electric aircraft across rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. Unlike fixed infrastructure requiring years of construction, this system can be rapidly deployed wherever demand emerges. The platform successfully demonstrated operations at Dianshan Lake near Shanghai, supporting AutoFlight's six-seat Prosperity passenger aircraft and cargo variants. The system enables emergency response, tourism, and marine maintenance operations while eliminating grid dependency through integrated solar panels and onboard technical facilities.
Key Takeaways
The doubling of RAT market value by 2031 demonstrates aviation's strategic shift toward more sophisticated emergency power backup systems.
Why This Matters
RAT market growth reflects aviation industry's increasing emphasis on safety redundancy and emergency power systems critical for aircraft operations.