Jump Aero has unveiled the JA1 Pulse, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed for emergency response missions. The aircraft features a “tail-sitter” design, meaning it sits on the ground with its nose and eight electric-drive propellers facing upward and takes off vertically. Once it reaches cruising altitude, it tips forward into a horizontal orientation, with structural elements between the props serving as wings. Key features of the JA1 Pulse include:
- Single-Occupant Design: The aircraft is designed for a single occupant, who serves as both the pilot and first responder.
- Standing and Prone Positions: The occupant is in a standing position when the aircraft is on the ground and transitions to a prone position during forward flight. Windows in the nose and belly allow for forward and downward visibility.
- Simplified Flight Controls: The aircraft features simplified flight controls, reducing the need for extensive pilot training.
- Safety Features: The design incorporates redundancy, and there is no single point of failure that could cause catastrophic issues. In case of an emergency, a ballistic airframe parachute can be deployed.
- Speed and Range: The JA1 Pulse is expected to have a top speed of 250 knots (about 288 mph) and a range allowing it to reach any location within a 31-mile radius in under eight minutes.
- Transportability: The aircraft can land on slopes of up to 10 degrees and can be transported on the back of a flatbed truck without disassembly.
- Battery and Charging: Each of its eight motors will be powered by separate 11-kWh batteries, all of which can be charged simultaneously via a single port.
While the JA1 Pulse cannot transport patients, it is intended to complement traditional ambulances. When an emergency call requires advanced life support, both an ambulance and a Pulse can be dispatched. The Pulse can arrive quickly, and the onboard pilot can provide lifesaving equipment and care until the ambulance crew takes over.
Denmark-based Falck Ambulance Services has placed an order for the JA1 Pulse. The aircraft has the potential to significantly reduce response times for critical medical situations.