Nimbus Aerospace successfully flew N1000-XSS1 on December 4th, demonstrating this initial proprietary airframe design. The XSS1 is a 10th-scale airframe of the first version of its sustainable business jet concept.
This marks a key milestone for Nimbus, providing tangible proof that the over-the-wing distributed ducted fan propulsion system is technically viable. The flight’s success provided us with key evaluation points around the performance of this airframe configuration, its flight characteristics, and its limitations as well. The successful combination of the distributed propulsion system with a conventional airframe is indeed feasible.
“Private jets are between five and 14 times more polluting per passenger than commercial airplanes, making them the most environmentally harmful form of transportation,” says Nimbus CEO Adrian Groos. “To meet the industry’s net-zero carbon emissions goals by 2050, thousands of new and sustainable private aircraft will be needed over the coming decades.”
Nimbus’ electric-focused strategy also offers advantages over other next-generation aircraft technologies, such as hydrogen fuel. Electricity is widely available at all airports, making the deployment of charging infrastructure both cost-effective and straightforward. Additionally, Nimbus’ conventional design makes it easier to bring to market and certify.
The N1000 subscale prototype was built in less than a month using bespoke and off-the-shelf parts. The aircraft was piloted by Chief Engineer Brian Morgan and was in the air for 1 minute and 23 seconds for three go-arounds and both gear-down and gear-up fly-overs.
Through analysis of these flight tests and advanced CFD as well, Nimbus will optimize its design efforts and focus now on building a large, 1/4-scale proof-of-concept airframe for flight tests in 2025.
