Bell’s new VTOL air taxi design. Credit: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.

Bell Helicopter has unveiled a full-scale design of its new Bell Nexus vertical-takeoff-and-landing (VTOL) air taxi vehicle.

Powered by a hybrid-electric propulsion system, Bell Nexus is equipped with the company’s powered lift concept that involves six tilting ducted fans to facilitate safe and efficient air travel.

The design has been developed as part of a partnership between Bell, Safran, EPS, Thales, Moog and Garmin on developing Bell’s VTOL aircraft and on-demand mobility solutions.

Bell Helicopter president and CEO Mitch Snyder said: “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.

“We believe the design, taken with our strategic approach to build this infrastructure, will lead to the successful deployment of the Bell Nexus to the world.”

“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 build this infrastructure, will lead to the successful deployment of the Bell Nexus to the world.”

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Bell Nexus’ turboshaft-based hybrid propulsion and drive system will be provided by Safran. The system will be designed to generate electrical power for the aircraft’s six propellers, each housed in a tilting duct, three on each side of the cabin.

The aircraft’s aft fuselage above the cabin will accommodate the Safran turboshaft engine to receive additional power for vertical takeoffs and landings, as well as prolonged range, like a hybrid-electric automobile.

In addition, Bell Nexus will feature EPS’ energy storage systems, Thales flight control computer (FCC) hardware and software, and Moog’s flight control actuation systems.

Garmin will install the avionics and the vehicle management computer (VMC) on the aircraft.