Mk-5 Cockpit Mockup Goes to Oshkosh

This year’s AirVenture will see the unveiling of eVTOL manufacturer-to-be teTra Aviation's brand new Mk-5 aircraft cockpit ahead of sales sometime next year.

 The exhibition is the first look at what the single-seat, electronic VTOL aircraft will provide for its pilot in its luxury-focused design. The first batch of visitors who get their buns in the seats will be able to nab a lil’ something extra from teTra in exchange for their thoughts on the design. 

The Mk-5 is a natural fit for Oshkosh, says the company, given its intended release in the near future as an experimental aircraft kit. They hope to offer their first aircraft for sale in 2023, breaking from the pack of eVTOL companies by aiming to conquer a segment of the market more along the lines of traditional general aviation than passenger travel. For those eagerly looking forward to a purchase of a Mk-5 of their own, AirVenture is a prime opportunity to check fit and suitability before committing to the purchase. 

The Mk-5 uses a bank of electrically-powered vertical propellers mounted on nacelles spaced out along the fore and aft wings. Unlike many similar aircraft, it lacks the complexity of tilting rotors, instead focusing on weight savings while deriving the majority of its horizontal thrust from a pusher mounted propeller mounted on the tail. The design garnered the recognition of the Boeing GoFly competition, earning teTra a $100,000 prize from the Pratt & Whitney Disruptor Prize. The biplane design is estimated to provide pilots with a 100 mph top speed and 60 mile range, though improvements to the basic specs are undoubtedly on the teTra to-do list. As far as electric aircraft go, the Mk-5 has so far appeared quite polished, including baked-in gliding capability, 2-failure tolerant design, and ballistic parachute support as standard equipment. 

FMI: www.tetra-aviation.com