Bell Helicopter has revealed the configuration and full scale vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) air taxi vehicle, named Bell Nexus. It is powered by a hybrid electric propulsion system and features Bell's signature powered lift concept incorporating six tilting ducted fans that are designed to safely and efficiently redefine air travel.

Team Nexus, consisting of Bell, Safran, EPS, Thales, Moog and Garmin, are collaborating on Bell's VTOL aircraft and on-demand mobility solutions. Bell will lead the design, development and production of the VTOL systems. Safran will provide the hybrid propulsion and drive systems, EPS will provide the energy storage systems, Thales will provide the flight control computer hardware and software, Moog will develop the flight control actuation systems and Garmin will integrate the avionics and the vehicle management computer.

The Nexus is the first application of the Safran Hybrid-Electric Propulsion System. This is capable of producing more than 600 kWe power. During ground tests last June the system produced 100 kWe and further tests will be carried out next year.

HEPS works by distributing thermal and/or electrical energy, depending on the phase of flight, to multiple rotors. It comprises three sub-systems: electric generation that relies on a turbo-generator and batteries, electric power management and the electric motors that generate lift and propulsion.

“This partnership with Bell in the on-demand mobility sector is a strategic opportunity for Safran,” says Jean-Baptiste Jarin, Safran Helicopter Engines vice president, hybrid propulsion system programme. “Nexus is the first of a new breed of aircraft; it opens the doors to new markets and new missions. Fully commited to these challenges and sharing a common vision with Bell, we now look forward to seeing it fly.”

Mitch Snyder, president and CEO at Bell, adds: “As space at the ground level becomes limited, we must solve transportation challenges in the vertical dimension and that's where Bell's on-demand mobility vision takes hold. The industry has anticipated the reveal of our air taxi for some time, so Bell is very proud of this moment. We believe the design, taken with our strategic approach to building this infrastructure, will lead to the successful deployment of the Bell Nexus to the world.”