Volocopter and ADAC Luftrettung Conduct First Operational eVTOL Flights

On May 28, 2026, German electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) manufacturer Volocopter and the non-profit air rescue organization ADAC Luftrettung announced a significant milestone in aviation and emergency medical services. According to a company press release, experienced operational rescue pilots successfully flew the VoloCity eVTOL in a real-world environment under supervision.

This event marks the first time globally that non-test pilots have operated an eVTOL utilizing virtual reality-assisted ground control systems, specifically the SimX Ground Station. The successful Test-Flights validate the transferability of traditional piloting skills to next-generation electric aircraft, a crucial step for the mass deployment of rescue multicopters.

ADAC Luftrettung intends to integrate these aircraft to supplement, rather than replace, traditional rescue helicopters. By dispatching a pilot and an emergency physician directly to incident locations, the organization aims to provide rapid, emission-free, and quieter medical assistance to those in need.

Validating eVTOL Technology for Air Rescue

The SimX Ground Station and Flight Testing

The recent test flights focused heavily on the interaction between the pilot, the aircraft, and the supporting ground infrastructure. According to Volocopter, the flights were supported by the SimX Ground Station, a VR-supported ground control technology designed to enhance situational awareness and operational efficiency.

Engineering teams gathered critical data on skill transferability, evaluating how easily pilots with extensive traditional helicopter and fixed-wing experience could adapt to the VoloCity’s controls. The 18-rotor, fully electric aircraft is designed for zero in-flight emissions and significantly reduced noise pollution compared to conventional Helicopters.

“The flight characteristics are impressive. The aircraft is very stable and responds precisely to control inputs,” stated Matthias Sing, Head of Engineering and Helicopter Pilot at ADAC Luftrettung, in the official release.

A Long-Standing Partnerships

The collaboration between Volocopter and ADAC Luftrettung dates back to a 2018 joint feasibility study sponsored by the ADAC Foundation and the Institute for Emergency Medicine and Medical Management at Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich. The study utilized computer simulations to demonstrate that eVTOLs could provide a significant tactical advantage in life-saving situations.

This partnership materialized further at the June 2023 Paris Air Show, where ADAC Luftrettung officially purchased two VoloCity aircraft for research operations. The organization has stated its intention to secure up to 150 additional units for future emergency medical services and rescue missions.

Corporate Stability and Future Outlook

Recent Acquisitions and Product Launches

Volocopter’s push toward European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification is backed by recent corporate restructuring. In March 2025, the Bruchsal-based company secured its financial future when it was acquired by Diamond Aircraft Industries, ensuring its headquarters remained in Germany.

Beyond the VoloCity, the manufacturer continues to expand its portfolio. In April 2026, Volocopter unveiled the VoloXPro, an electric ultralight two-seater multicopter targeted at flight schools and private pilots, with EASA ultralight-class certification expected by the end of the year.

AirPro News analysis

We observe that the successful integration of operational rescue pilots into the VoloCity testing phase is a critical indicator of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) maturity. By proving that existing helicopter pilots can transition to eVTOL systems without requiring entirely new, specialized test-pilot training, Volocopter and ADAC Luftrettung are addressing one of the industry’s most significant scaling bottlenecks: pilot availability.

Furthermore, the upcoming 2026 European sandbox program, which will simulate real-world operations for both the VoloCity and VoloXPro, suggests that the regulatory and operational frameworks are rapidly aligning for commercial launch. Gathering technical data to establish a foundation for advancing training concepts and safety standards will be vital for final EASA certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the VoloCity?

The VoloCity is an 18-rotor, fully electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developed by Volocopter. It is designed to produce zero in-flight emissions and significantly lower noise pollution than traditional helicopters.

How will ADAC Luftrettung use eVTOLs?

ADAC Luftrettung plans to use eVTOLs to supplement traditional rescue helicopters by rapidly transporting a pilot and an emergency physician directly to medical incident locations.

Sources

• Volocopter Official Newsroom