Transcend Air Taps IAI North America as Defense Partner

Transcend Air has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IAI North America to be its defence partner for the development of military applications of its Vy Family of high-speed Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft powered by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). 

Transcend is developing high-speed VTOL aircraft for commercial, VIP, and military markets. The company has received multiple U.S. DoD R&D contracts to advance the design of its scalable Vy Family of aircraft, with military variants targeted to enable the critical strategic transition to runway-independent operations for both special ops and regular Air Force applications. IAI NA is the U.S. subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (“IAI”), Israel’s largest aerospace and defence company. IAI is a technology and innovation leader specializing in developing and manufacturing state-of-the-art systems for air, space, sea, land, cyber, and homeland security, with notable products including both the Gulfstream G-280 super-midsize business jet and the wings for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

Gregory Bruell, CEO & Co-Founder of Transcend Air, explained: “Our R&D contract awards over the past two years have made it very clear that there are urgent military applications for the Vy family of aircraft. IAI NA is an ideal partner to help us militarize these aircraft for DoD customers.”

Transcend Air Enters Agreement with GE Aviation as Engine Supplier for the Groundbreaking Vy 400 High Speed VTOL Aircraft

Transcend Air Corporation today announced an agreement with GE Aviation to develop and certify a custom variant of GE’s class-leading CT7-8 turboshaft helicopter engine to power the Vy 400 High-Speed Vertical Takeoff and Landing (HSVTOL) aircraft.

“We have optimized the Vy 400 design to shatter the current time/cost barriers for regional city-to-city travel,” said Gregory Bruell, Co-Founder and CEO of Transcend Air.

He continued, “Our Aerial Regional Transport (ARTTM) service will offer door-to-door costs lower than taking an airline today, while cutting travel time by over two-thirds – and eliminating travel hassles entirely. On top of that, GE's engines can operate on approved Sustainable Aviation Fuel, or SAF, which can help us achieve lower lifecycle carbon emissions.”

The vertical takeoff and landing capabilities of the Vy 400 aircraft gives Transcend Air access to demand-rich centres of major cities. The high-speed Vy 400 travels more than 400 miles per hour, making the journey from Manhattan to Boston in just 36 minutes.