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Wikipedia:Bellwether Industries (aerospace company)

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Bellwether Industries
Company typePrivate
IndustryAerospace
Founded2019; 5 years ago (2019)
Founders
  • Daniel Chen, Kai-Tse Lin, Zhiyang Yu
Headquarters,
ProductseVTOL aircraft/volar
Websitewww.bellwether-industries.com

Bellwether Industries  

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Bellwether Industries[1] is an aerospace company that focuses on developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, aiming to transform urban air mobility. The company was founded in 2019 by Daniel Chen, Kai-Tse Lin, and Zhiyang Yu, with the goal of creating innovative and accessible personal air transportation solutions.

History

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Bellwether Industries was officially established in 2019 in London, United Kingdom. However, its origins trace back to 2013, when the founders began exploring the interaction between transportation[2] and urban environments. The company's initial concept, the Gazelle, was launched in 2015 at the Young Designers’ Exhibition (YODEX) in Taipei, Taiwan. This early project laid the groundwork for the formation of Bellwether Industries.[3]

Products - Volar Models  

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Bellwether Industries'[4] main product line, known as Volar,[5] consists of a series of eVTOL[6] aircraft designed for urban air mobility. These vehicles feature an electric[7] hidden propulsion system and a wingless lifting body, making them suitable for everyday city transport. The Volar models aim to offer a compact, efficient, and user-friendly flight[8] experience, enabling seamless travel within urban areas.[9]

Gazelle

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The initial concept vehicle, Gazelle, was introduced in 2015 as a hovercraft and was showcased at YODEX in Taipei. This model set the foundation for Bellwether's future[10] designs.[11]

Antelope

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The second-generation Volar model, Antelope, featured significant advancements in eVTOL[12] technology.[13] This model was first exhibited at DroneX in London in 2021 and later at events such as the AirTaxi World Congress, the Dubai[14] Airshow 2021,[15] and Dubai[16][17] Intersec 2023.[18] The Antelope is currently on long-term display at TheArsenale in Doha, Qatar. Bellwether[19] released footage of the Antelope's prototype flight[20] test[21] in 2022 in Dubai.[22]

Oryx

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The third-generation Volar[23] model, Oryx, was announced in 2022 with a focus on improved airframe design, flight[24] efficiency, and control. The Oryx prototype was first exhibited at the Dubai[25][26] Airshow in 2023.[27][28]

Bellwether Advanced Mobility Solutions (BAMS)

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In 2023, Bellwether Industries launched the Bellwether Advanced Mobility Solutions (BAMS) in partnership[29] with global partners,[30] further expanding its capabilities in urban air mobility.

Mission and Vision

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Bellwether Industries aims to revolutionize[31] urban air mobility (UAM) by developing compact and compatible solutions designed for intracity transport. The company's vision is to create a new three-dimensional lifestyle that allows for seamless point-to-point travel within cities. Bellwether's[32] approach emphasizes user experience, safety, and environmental sustainability, addressing the challenges of urban transportation with innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency and convenience of city living.

Achievements

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Bellwether Industries has been recognized for its contributions to the eVTOL[33] industry and urban air mobility.[34]  

Global Thought Leaders and 50 MENA Leaders

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In 2023, Bellwether Industries was named one of the Global Thought Leaders and 50 MENA Leaders by TBD Media. A documentary about the company was broadcast on CBS News and Gulf News.  

Power Book 2023

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The company and its Co-founder/COO, Kai-Tse Lin, were nominated by eVTOL[35] Insights in the Power Book 2023, recognizing excellence in the eVTOL aircraft industry.

Design and Innovation

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Bellwether Industries focuses on design thinking as a core driver of innovation in aerospace. The company aims to understand and address real-world needs through holistic solutions, creating products that are technologically advanced, user-friendly, and practical. This commitment to innovative design is evident in Bellwether's product development and strategic initiatives, positioning the company as a leader in the urban air mobility sector.

Global Presence

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Headquartered in London, Bellwether Industries[36] draws on the city's cultural evolution and emphasis on brand cultivation. The company's approach to product development and marketing reflects the influence of its founders' experiences at the Royal College of Art in Intelligent Mobility. Additionally, Bellwether leverages Taiwan's high-tech legacy in power systems and precision engineering for its aircraft development. The company maintains offices in the UK,[37][38] Taiwan, and the UAE, underscoring its global reach and commitment to advancing urban mobility.

Notable Exhibitions

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Dubai Airshow 2021

Bellwether Industries participated in the Dubai[39] Airshow 2021, where its booth was visited by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai.  

Dubai Airshow 2023

At the Dubai Airshow 2023, Bellwether Industries showcased its latest innovations, including the Oryx prototype. The event also marked the launch of the Bellwether Advanced Mobility Solutions (BAMS) with its global partners, highlighting the company's expanding role in urban air mobility.  

Intersec Dubai 2023

The company displayed the Antelope model at Intersec Dubai, an event focused on safety, security, and fire protection, in collaboration with NAFFCO. The exhibition demonstrated the potential use of Volar[40] aircraft for firefighting and emergency response.

References

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  1. ^ "Bellwether". www.bellwether-industries.com. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  2. ^ "最難的創業項目!台灣新創Bellwether在歐洲打造「飛行車」,預計2028年正式量產|Meet創業小聚". meet.bnext.com.tw (in Chinese). 2024-03-13. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  3. ^ "Flying car innovation soars: Bellwether and UK-Taiwan partnership advance eVTOL technology". DIGITIMES. 2023-12-08. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  4. ^ Marklew, Philip (2023-11-06). "Bellwether to debut Oryx eVTOL in Dubai". AGN. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  5. ^ Suart, Greg. "Bellwether Industries introduces the third generation of Volar, Oryx". Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  6. ^ "Bellwether Industries Antelope". evtol.news. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  7. ^ "Flying car innovation soars: Bellwether and UK-Taiwan partnership advance eVTOL technology". DIGITIMES. 2023-12-08. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  8. ^ Young, Chris. "Watch The Futuristic Flying Car Volar's Amazing First Test Flight Footage". Interesting Engineering. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  9. ^ "Bellwether Industries Limited | NTU Overseas Internship Program 臺大國際引水人計畫". internshipabroad.ntu.edu.tw. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  10. ^ "Solving the personal transport problem in the cities of the future". gulfnews.com. 2022-10-18. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  11. ^ "Bellwether reveals new generation flying car model". Vertical Mag. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  12. ^ designboom, lynne myers I. (2022-01-12). "futuristic 'volar' eVTOL by bellwether takes to the skies in first flight test". designboom | architecture & design magazine. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  13. ^ Butterworth-Hayes, Philip. "Bellweather to display prototype VTOL technology demonstrator at DroneX". Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  14. ^ Young, Chris. "A UK Startup Successfully Flight Tested Its Flying Car Prototype in Dubai". Interesting Engineering. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  15. ^ Wam. "Video: Sheikh Hamdan visits Dubai Airshow 2021". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  16. ^ "Startups showcased at the Dubai Airshow". AGN. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  17. ^ Drastic_admin (2021-10-25). "Bellwether Industries Prepares to Bring Private Urban Aircraft to Dubai Air Show". DRASTIC NEWS - Drones Robotics Automation Security Technologies Information Communications. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  18. ^ Suart, Greg. "Dubai 2023: Schubeler and Bellwether Industries to build and test electric propulsion systems". Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  19. ^ "Startup Info - Startups & Innovation Magazine". 2017-03-28. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  20. ^ Mircea, Cristina (2022-01-12). "There's a New eVTOL in Town. It's Called a Volar and It Nailed Its Test Flight in Dubai". autoevolution. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  21. ^ "UK's Bellwether completes first eVTOL test flight in Dubai". Vertical Mag. 2021-12-14. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  22. ^ "Bellwether Industries". www.dubaiairshow.aero. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  23. ^ "Bellwether's gorgeous Volar eVTOL begins flight testing at half-scale". New Atlas. 2021-12-31. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  24. ^ Chadwick, Jonathan (2022-01-12). "Flying hypercar for inner city travel completes test flight in Dubai". Mail Online. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  25. ^ "Bellwether Industries Increases Industry Presence And Prepares To Bring Its Private Urban Aircraft To Dubai Air Show - London Connected". 2021-10-30. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  26. ^ Wilson, Gwen (2021-10-25). "Bellwether to take Volar eVTOL to Dubai Air Show". HeliHub.com. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  27. ^ Science, Hanneke Weitering •; Editor, Technology. "Bellwether's Oryx eVTOL Aircraft Prototype Debuts at Dubai Airshow | AIN". Aviation International News. Retrieved 2024-08-29. {{cite web}}: |last2= has generic name (help)
  28. ^ Wilson, Gwen (2023-10-26). "Bellwether debut latest eVTOL at Dubai Airshow 2023". HeliHub.com. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  29. ^ McNabb, Miriam (2023-11-20). "Propelling the Future: Bellwether Industries and Schubeler Forge Strategic Partnership for Cutting-Edge Electric Propulsion in Urban Air Mobility". DRONELIFE. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  30. ^ "Bellwether Industries | Viva Technology ★". Vivatechnology. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  31. ^ "BELLWETHER INDUSTRIES: REVOLUTIONIZING URBAN MOBILITY". TheArsenale. 2023-02-24. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  32. ^ Duncan, Gillian. "Dubai becomes test zone for 'Star Wars'-like flying car that can reach 220kph". The National. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  33. ^ jeremy@globalsky.media (2022-10-27). "Bellwether Industries Unveils Latest eVTOL". Asian Sky Group. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  34. ^ "Mini keynote - 'Flying cars' and electric e-mobility". Evening Standard. 2022-12-05. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  35. ^ Pritchard, Jason (2022-01-12). "VIDEO: Bellwether Industries reveals first flight test footage of its half-scale Volar prototype - eVTOL Insights". evtolinsights.com. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  36. ^ "See a futuristic flying car's first untethered flight". Freethink. 2022-01-18. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  37. ^ "UK-based start-up Bellwether Industries and Viasat are scaling up their partnership with concrete milestones within the next three years". sUAS News. 2023-11-13. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  38. ^ Cailler, Adam (2022-01-12). "UK firm holds first-ever successful test for flying hypercar to 'replace motors'". Daily Star. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  39. ^ "Bellwether Industries Increases Industry Presence And Prepares To Bring Its Private Urban Aircraft To Dubai Air Show - Aviation Business Middle East". 2021-10-24. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  40. ^ admin_schubeler (2023-11-12). "Schubeler and Bellwether Industries to Build and Test Electric Propulsion Systems for Volars". Schubeler. Retrieved 2024-08-29.