What happens when you drop an eVTOL battery from 50 feet
There are no loopholes or shortcuts when certifying an eVTOL to the world’s highest safety standards. Where new technologies don’t fit traditional airworthiness criteria, bespoke rules are drafted. Complex battery systems powering eVTOL aircraft are no exception and are subject to rigorous tests, including being dropped onto hard ground from 50 feet.
In March 2024 California-based Archer Aviation dropped three batteries at 100%, 30% and 0% state of charge in preparation for their for-credit testing, reporting encouraging results.1
Not only did the batteries pass the test, they remarkably still functioned properly after each drop
Good news, and not the first we’ve seen of eVTOL battery drop tests. In 2022 Beta Technologies performed a similar test, announcing “no significant damage at the cell or pack level.”2
As underwriters look to provide insurance for emerging aviation technologies, an understanding of new bespoke airworthiness criteria will help identify where risks may be different to traditional aviation. The more safety and reliability can be demonstrated, the more underwriters will be willing to put pen to paper in support of the AAM revolution.
1 March 28, 2024 | Archer Successfully Completes Multiple Battery Pack Drop Tests
2 BETA PARTNERS WITH EVTOL SAFETY RESEARCHERS FOR 50-FOOT BATTERY DROP TEST
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