Will Roper on the Future of eVTOL Aircraft in Military and Commercial Applications

Posted July 7, 2022

External Article: Will Roper on the Future of eVTOL Aircraft in Military and Commercial Applications

Will Roper, distinguished professor of the practice in the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, was interviewed for the article, "Will Roper on the Future of eVTOL Aircraft in Military and Commercial Applications," published July 1, 2022 by evtol.com

In the article, Roper discusses the potential and challenges of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, one of the technologies Roper worked on as an assistant secretary of the U.S. Air Force for acquisition, technology, and logistics.

An excerpt:

From a regulatory perspective, there’s always uncertainty about when there will be comfort in new systems intended for everyday use around populations. But I believe early military adoption and public trust in the military certification process will help accelerate it. These systems have some immediate benefits for a variety of niche operations [in the military]. But as the underlying technology, batteries, etc., get better over time, I think the operational use will expand as well. The faster military flight hours ramp, the faster we’re likely to see civil certification.

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Will Roper, distinguished professor of the practice in the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs.