Safran Helicopter Engines and Urban Aeronautics have signed a memorandum of understanding that will allow both companies to explore a variety of potential opportunities, including the potential to develop a new platform of internal rotor aircraft and accompanying technology.

“We value the trust that Urban Aeronautics has placed in us,” said Maxime Faribault, executive vice president of OEM sales. “Together we will study new directions for the vertical-lift market and investigate the benefits and the feasibility of new aircraft concepts, particularly those using distributed propulsion.”

Rafi Yoeli, founder and CEO of Urban Aeronautics, added, “Partnering with a major aerospace company like Safran will bring valuable expertise and help Urban Aeronautics move from the prototype to the production phase.”

The companies hope to create both manned and unmanned aircraft that can be used in urban environments. Some of the types of aircraft that they hope to create are air-taxis, medevacs and transportation vehicles.

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