South Africa-based vertical business jet (VBJ) manufacturer Pegasus Universal Aerospace has signed a memorandum of understanding with UK-based technical aviation consultancy Callen-Lenz Group. The agreement brings the two companies together to exclusively collaborate on the design and development of the flight control systems for the Pegasus One VBJ aircraft.

The flight control systems are integral to supporting the aircraft operations in all phases of flight, including transition from vertical take-off and hover to forward horizontal flight. The merging of these functions into one unique system will be a key technology, enabling Pegasus One to deliver its powerful performance capabilities. Pegasus selected Callen-Lenz as its development partner because of the team's reputation for creating innovative solutions, required core competencies and experience in realising complex technologies in the aerospace sector.

Pegasus founder and chairman Dr Reza Mia says: “We believe that Callen-Lenz is the ideal partner for Pegasus. Its inventive approach to aerospace challenges, its expertise and its willingness to embark on this exciting journey with us to deliver a unique proposition, determined our selection process. We are excited to be working on this game changing project with it.”

“We have been invited to work with a number of new aircraft programmes, but were extremely impressed by the ambition, vision and quality of the Pegasus VBJ project. As the race hots up to deliver new aircraft technologies, we are pleased to join forces with one of the most exciting airframes in development,” replies Callen-Lenz CEO Jonathan Webber.

The Pegasus team has already made great strides over the past year in developing multiple scale models, completing comprehensive studies into the drivetrain and thrust fan systems to support a true hybrid-electric propulsion power source. Pegasus is in ongoing discussions with two leading powerplant OEMs to ensure the best performance capability is achieved.

The signing of the MOU ushers in the next significant phase in the programme. Under its terms, the Callen-Lenz team will work closely with the Pegasus executive team, engineers and newly appointed chief pilot Captain Andrew Dietrich.

Dietrich joins the expanding Pegasus team with some 16,000 hours flying time spanning a 26-year career operating ultra-long range commercial airliners and corporate jets. Familiar with numerous flight decks and having worked with a variety of avionics systems and aircraft simulators, Dietrich brings valuable knowledge to Pegasus. Reporting directly to the executive team, his hands-on experience will deliver vital input to the aircraft operational capability, performance and safety requirements.

As an integral part of the Pegasus technical team he will work alongside Callen-Lenz and Pegasus chief engineer Matthew Buttle and be responsible for overseeing compliance, safety procedures and the co-ordination of test pilots during the official test flight phase.

“We want to build an aircraft that pilots know is responsive, safe, reliable, efficient and above all fun and straight forward to fly. Dietrich will help us achieve these goals and more. We are excited to add his extensive skills and enthusiasm to our team,” comments Mia.

Dietrich adds: “I'm aware there are many eVTOL projects in development, but I wanted to work with the dynamic Pegasus team. The concept is brilliant, the team is solid, and I believe it will make a dramatic difference to the way executives and high net worth individuals think about flight in the future. There is also huge potential in the oil and gas platform sector. Being involved with the Pegasus project allows me to use all my accumulated experience on one of the most exciting new and innovative aircraft programmes on the market. It's a superb opportunity.”

Construction of a full-scale VTOL demonstrator to show in Europe in 2020 has already begun and a series of investor evenings in South Africa starts this month.