Orca eVTOL: Redefining Emergency Medical Aircraft

Revolutionizing Emergency Medical Services with Electric Propulsion

The Orca eVTOL, designed by Soma Varga, Zsolt Koltai, and Akos Matyus, is a groundbreaking concept that aims to challenge the current rotorcraft market used in emergency medical services. By incorporating advanced electric propulsion and winged aircraft concepts, the Orca eVTOL offers faster response times, lower operational costs, and increased safety, ultimately saving more lives in critical situations.

The Orca eVTOL is a vertical take-off and landing aerial vehicle equipped with electric propulsion. Unlike traditional rotorcraft used in emergency medical services, the Orca eVTOL utilizes seven independent electric engines and an advanced aerodynamic design. This allows the Orca to transport patients at higher speeds and with greater efficiency. With its carbon composite construction, the Orca eVTOL has a range of up to 120 km, making it a reliable and sustainable solution for emergency medical transportation.

One of the key advantages of the Orca eVTOL is its ability to significantly reduce response times. Unlike gas turbine engines used in traditional rotorcraft, the electric engines of the Orca have a near-instantaneous start-up, eliminating the need for a lengthy warm-up period. Additionally, the wing-borne flight of the Orca allows for a higher maximum cruise speed compared to helicopters, further reducing the time from the emergency call to the treatment of patients and their transfer back to the hospital.

The design of the Orca eVTOL was a result of extensive research and innovation. The design team started by establishing strict performance requirements based on the typical flight profile of rotorcraft used in emergency medical operations. This led to the development of a three-surface aircraft with a top-positioned main wing and an axisymmetric fuselage, ensuring both ease of operation and safety.

Overcoming the challenges of combining the design methodologies of fixed-wing aircraft and rotorcraft was a significant achievement for the design team. The Orca eVTOL effectively manages energy consumption during hover and levelled cruise flight, ensuring optimal engine performance in both flight regimes.

Designed and realized using high-performance carbon fiber composite materials commonly found in the aerospace industry, the Orca eVTOL showcases the potential of electric propulsion and advanced design in the field of emergency medical aircraft. Its unique features and strengths make it a game-changer in the industry.

The Orca eVTOL project was completed within six months, with the design team based in Pécs, Hungary. The intellectual property rights for the Orca eVTOL are protected by a patent issued by the European Union Intellectual Property Office, highlighting the innovative nature of the design.

Recognized for its outstanding and ingenious design, the Orca eVTOL was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Aerospace and Aircraft Design category in 2021. This prestigious accolade acknowledges the Orca's contribution to improving the quality of life through its incorporation of best practices in art, science, design, and technology.

The Orca eVTOL is not just a concept; it represents a paradigm shift in emergency medical aircraft. With its advanced electric propulsion, innovative design, and commitment to saving lives, the Orca eVTOL is set to revolutionize emergency medical services and pave the way for a sustainable future.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Soma Varga
Image Credits: Soma Varga
Project Team Members: Soma Varga Ákos Matyus Zsolt Koltai
Project Name: Orca
Project Client: Soma Varga


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