{
  "id": 3230785,
  "title": "NTU-built electric aircraft completes first phase of flight tests in Germany",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/ntu-built-electric-aircraft-completes-first-phase-of-flight-tests-in",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-25T09:22:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Straits Times",
    "slug": "straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/ntu-built-electric-aircraft-completes-first-phase-of-flight-tests-in-germany"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Singapore-based NTU developed and constructed an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which has just finished its initial phase of flight tests in Germany. The aircraft, measuring 8 meters in wingspan and 3 meters, were constructed by a team consisting of more than 20 students and alumni, alongside Professor James Wang from Nanyang Technological University. The tests, which took place from July 25th to August 25th, took place over a 1.2km by 2.4km flight area at Germany's Aerospace Centre, an area larger than any other available for flight tests in Singapore.\n\nThe smaller 3-meter variant completed 17 flights, covering nearly two hours of flight time, while the larger 8-meter prototype performed 20 flights, totaling 43 minutes of airborne time. The larger aircraft managed to reach an altitude of 92 meters, while the smaller one reached 60 meters and achieved a speed of approximately 120 km/h. However, the 8-meter prototype crashed during the tests and could not be repaired in time for a full evaluation of its forward propulsion system. It is currently being transported back to Singapore and is expected to arrive in October.\n\nDespite not receiving the necessary regulatory certifications from Singapore's Civil Aviation Authority, the team conducted some tests at Kranji racecourse under tethered conditions, securing the aircraft to the ground with a rope. Professor Wang, the director of NTU's eVTOL aircraft research and innovation center, has mentioned that the team is currently working on enhancing the aircraft's autonomous flight capabilities and ranges, as well as exploring the possibility of using hydrogen as a power source and improving battery capacity.\n\nWang envisions the potential for scaling the aircraft to different sizes, including a variant with a 14-meter wingspan capable of carrying five passengers and a 3-meter version specifically designed for cargo transport. He emphasized that the team has already developed the expertise and infrastructure to engineer, manufacture, and build an eVTOL in Singapore. To commence commercial operation in Singapore, however, the team would require an investment of $975 million, recruitment of suitable personnel, and strong support from the Government. To date, the team has received $25 million in funding from the Government.",
  "summary": "The team said it needs $975 million from investors to bring the project forward.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}