Moya Aero Validates eVTOL Design with Wind Tunnel Testing for 2026 Launch

Moya Aero’s Strategic Wind Tunnel Testing Campaign Validates eVTOL Design for Commercial Launch

Moya Aero’s recent wind tunnel testing campaign, completed in August 2024 at Latin America’s largest wind tunnel facility, marks a significant milestone for the Brazilian electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) company. The program involved more than 150 aerodynamic tests on the Moya eVTOL cargo drone, validating the aircraft’s design and confirming that only minimal drag reduction adjustments are necessary. This accomplishment positions Moya Aero at the forefront of Latin America’s rapidly expanding eVTOL market, which is projected to be the fastest-growing globally through 2035. Combined with nearly 200 completed flight tests as of early 2025, Moya Aero demonstrates technological maturity and readiness for commercial certification under Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC).

The significance of this achievement is not limited to technical validation. It also reflects Brazil’s growing leadership in the global eVTOL sector, supported by robust aerospace infrastructure, a favorable regulatory environment, and increasing financial backing from both public and private sectors. As the company advances toward full certification and commercial deployment, its progress provides valuable insights into the broader dynamics of advanced air mobility in Latin America.

This analysis explores the strategic importance of Moya Aero’s wind tunnel campaign, the company’s technical and business positioning, and the implications for the regional and global eVTOL landscape.

The Strategic Importance of Moya Aero’s Wind Tunnel Testing Program

Leveraging Brazil’s Aerospace Infrastructure

Moya Aero’s choice to conduct wind tunnel testing at the Institute of Aeronautics and Space (IAE) within the Department of Aerospace Science and Technology (DCTA) in São José dos Campos demonstrates a sophisticated approach to eVTOL development. The DCTA, established in 1953, is Brazil’s national hub for aeronautical and space research, and the IAE’s facilities are among the most advanced in Latin America. This partnership enables Moya Aero to access world-class testing environments, highly qualified personnel, and established aerospace protocols.

The four-week testing campaign at IAE included more than 150 test configurations, covering both vertical and horizontal flight regimes. Unlike conventional aircraft, eVTOLs require a much broader range of angle-of-attack testing, from -10 to 90 degrees, due to their unique flight profiles. The results closely matched the company’s computational models, confirming the validity of their aerodynamic design and the effectiveness of their development process.

Wind tunnel testing remains a critical risk-reduction step in any aircraft development program. For eVTOLs, with their complex aerodynamic and propulsive interactions, empirical data from wind tunnel campaigns are essential for validating computational models and refining design features before moving to full-scale flight testing.

“The validation of Moya Aero’s aerodynamic design through wind tunnel testing represents a significant risk reduction milestone for the company’s development program.”

Integration with Flight Testing and Certification

Following the wind tunnel campaign, Moya Aero transitioned to real-world flight testing at SDA4 Airfield. With the Experimental Flight Authorization Certificate (CAVE) for the Moya 256, the company has conducted nearly 200 flight tests as of early 2025. These tests have systematically expanded the aircraft’s flight envelope, moving from hover and vertical flight to full mission profiles and automated flight control validation.

The close proximity of wind tunnel facilities and flight test sites in São José dos Campos allows for rapid iteration between design, validation, and operational testing. This integrated approach accelerates development while ensuring that safety and performance standards are met at each stage.

Moya Aero’s ability to maintain its development schedule and budget since its 2022 launch further underscores the effectiveness of its program management and technical execution. The company anticipates completing certification and launching commercial service by the end of 2026.

Brazilian eVTOL Industry Leadership and Infrastructure Advantages

Aerospace Cluster in São José dos Campos

São José dos Campos is recognized as the heart of Latin America’s aerospace industry. The city hosts major players like Embraer, Eve Air Mobility, and a dense network of suppliers, research institutions, and regulatory bodies. This ecosystem provides Moya Aero with access to specialized talent, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and a supportive regulatory environment.

The presence of established aerospace companies facilitates knowledge transfer, supply chain integration, and access to critical testing infrastructure. For example, Eve Air Mobility, backed by Embraer, has received substantial government funding for both development and manufacturing, exemplifying the level of institutional support available to Brazilian eVTOL companies.

Government agencies such as FINEP and BNDES play a pivotal role in financing innovation. Moya Aero’s $2 million USD grant from FINEP in 2023 and participation in the Techstars accelerator program highlight the diversity of funding sources available to support advanced air mobility initiatives in Brazil.

Regulatory Environment and Certification Framework

Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) has established a comprehensive regulatory framework for unmanned and eVTOL aircraft. The RBAC-E No. 94 regulation and the CAVE experimental certificate provide clear pathways for development, testing, and eventual commercial certification. This regulatory clarity reduces risk for developers and investors, enabling companies like Moya Aero to plan with greater certainty.

Recent regulatory advancements, such as the publication of final airworthiness criteria for eVTOLs, further streamline the certification process. The openness of Brazil’s regulatory environment is demonstrated by the successful authorization of both domestic and international eVTOL operators, including EHang and Eve Air Mobility.

This supportive regulatory context, combined with the country’s technical infrastructure, positions Brazil as a leading market for eVTOL development and deployment in Latin America and globally.

“Brazil’s regulatory approach to eVTOL certification appears to balance innovation encouragement with safety requirements.”

Technical Innovation and Commercial Readiness

The Moya eVTOL features a tandem tilt-wing configuration, enabling efficient transitions between vertical takeoff/landing and forward cruise flight. Its design is optimized for cargo operations, with a 200 kg payload and 550-liter liquid capacity, targeting logistics and agricultural applications.

The aircraft is powered by four electric motors, ensuring redundancy and safety, and constructed from carbon fiber composites for optimal strength-to-weight ratio. The 300 km range and 150 km/h cruise speed are well-suited for regional logistics missions in Latin America’s challenging geography.

By focusing on cargo rather than passenger transport, Moya Aero addresses immediate market needs with lower regulatory barriers and higher near-term commercial viability. Early market validation is evident from multiple Letters of Intent signed with logistics and infrastructure companies.

Global eVTOL Market Dynamics and Latin American Growth Opportunities

Latin America’s Unique Market Drivers

Industry analysts project that Latin America will experience the fastest growth in eVTOL adoption through 2035. The region’s urban congestion, geographic barriers, and underdeveloped ground infrastructure create strong demand for advanced air mobility solutions.

Cities like São Paulo, Mexico City, and Bogotá face chronic traffic congestion that eVTOLs can help alleviate. Additionally, the region’s mountains, rainforests, and remote communities present logistical challenges that eVTOLs are uniquely positioned to address.

The growing middle class and increasing acceptance of technology-driven transportation further support the adoption of eVTOL services. These factors combine to create a favorable environment for companies like Moya Aero to introduce innovative logistics and agricultural solutions.

Wind Tunnel Testing Industry Context

The global aerospace testing market is expanding, with wind tunnel testing services growing from $1.2 billion in 2024 to a projected $1.8 billion by 2033. This reflects increased demand for advanced testing methodologies required by new aviation technologies, including eVTOLs.

Technological advancements in wind tunnel testing, such as NASA’s new statistical and gravitational tare modeling approaches, have increased efficiency and reduced test times. These innovations are particularly relevant for eVTOLs, which require complex multi-regime aerodynamic analysis.

Integration of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with physical wind tunnel testing enables developers to optimize designs before full-scale manufacturing, reducing costs and accelerating time-to-market. Moya Aero’s successful wind tunnel campaign exemplifies the benefits of this integrated approach.

Financial Infrastructure and Investment Environment

Brazil’s government and private sector have demonstrated strong financial support for eVTOL development. In addition to FINEP and BNDES funding, Moya Aero has attracted investment from venture capital firms and participated in international accelerator programs.

This diversified financial backing allows for longer development timelines, consistent with the rigorous certification requirements of the aviation industry. The presence of patient capital and government-backed loans reduces pressure for short-term returns and encourages technical excellence.

International interest, as seen in Techstars’ inclusion of Moya Aero in its Los Angeles accelerator, highlights the global relevance of Brazilian eVTOL technology and the export potential of locally developed solutions.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

Moya Aero’s wind tunnel testing campaign has validated its eVTOL design and set the stage for commercial certification and launch. The company’s systematic approach, combining computational modeling, empirical validation, and extensive flight testing, demonstrates technical maturity and readiness for market entry by 2026. Supported by Brazil’s robust aerospace infrastructure, favorable regulatory environment, and diverse financial backing, Moya Aero is well-positioned to lead Latin America’s eVTOL sector.

Looking ahead, the successful commercialization of Moya Aero’s cargo eVTOL will serve as a benchmark for the industry, showcasing the viability of advanced air mobility solutions in emerging markets. The company’s focus on logistics and agriculture addresses real-world needs and could drive sustainable business growth as eVTOL technologies gain global traction. As Latin America becomes a key region for eVTOL adoption, Moya Aero’s achievements will likely influence regulatory, technical, and market developments across the sector.

FAQ

What is the significance of Moya Aero’s wind tunnel testing?
The wind tunnel testing validated the aerodynamic design of the Moya eVTOL, confirming that only minor adjustments are needed before full-scale production and commercial certification. This reduces technical and regulatory risks for market entry.

What are the main applications for the Moya eVTOL?
The Moya eVTOL is designed primarily for cargo operations, targeting logistics and agricultural applications. Its 200 kg payload and 550-liter liquid capacity make it suitable for package delivery, agricultural spraying, and remote supply missions.

How does Brazil support eVTOL development?
Brazil offers a favorable regulatory framework, advanced aerospace infrastructure in São José dos Campos, and extensive government and private sector funding. Agencies like ANAC, FINEP, and BNDES provide clear certification pathways and financial resources for eVTOL companies.

When is Moya Aero expected to launch commercial service?
Moya Aero anticipates completing certification and beginning commercial operations by the end of 2026, following continued flight testing and regulatory approvals.

What makes Latin America an attractive market for eVTOLs?
The region’s urban congestion, challenging geography, and infrastructure gaps create strong demand for advanced air mobility solutions. Latin America is projected to be the fastest-growing eVTOL market through 2035.

Sources

• Moya Aero