ERC System has begun flight testing its third-generation, full-scale and full-mass eVTOL prototype “Romeo,” in Erding near Munich. The flight test campaign supports the development of a hybrid-electric, crewed aircraft optimized for critical missions, including interhospital patient transport and emergency medical services. For DRF Luftrettung, a strategic partner of ERC System, this milestone is more than just a technical success—it is a significant step forward for future airborne patient care.
Weighing 2735 kgs and sporting a 16m wingspan, the aircraft is among the largest and heaviest eVTOL aircraft flown in Europe so far. Dr. Krystian Pracz, CEO of DRF Luftrettung states: ”The prototype’s successful maiden flight represents the transition from concept to practical testing. As a key strategic partner of ERC System, DRF Luftrettung is contributing medical, technical, and flight operations expertise from over five decades of air rescue experience. Together, we are developing an additional option for patient transport and emergency medical services. Current trends in healthcare – the reduction and specialization of clinics, longer distances, and an increasing shortage of skilled workers – require new solutions. That is why we are convinced that the ERC aircraft will have a permanent place in our fleet in the 2030s – as a useful addition to established air rescue with rescue helicopters.”
eVTOLs can prospectively demonstrate their value in interhospital transport, where patients need to be moved from one hospital to another. They also offer significant potential for postprimary transport—particularly for timecritical transfers following initial treatment, in cases where an emergency physician or advanced medical care is not required during the flight.
ERC System's eVTOL prototype “Romeo” takes off for the first time in Erding near Munich. (Source: ERC System)
“We are excited to have reached this key milestone in our mission to make aerial transportation more economically feasible, especially for critical missions“, said Dr. David Löbl, Co-Founder and CEO. “The crewed aircraft we intend to certify in 2031 is hybrid-electric. It takes off and lands vertically like a helicopter but uses wings to cruise efficiently like an airplane”, Löbl continued.
ERC System is a Munich-based aviation startup that develops electrified aviation solutions for the most critical missions. The company’s hybrid-electric aircraft take off vertically like helicopters, but fly forward wing-borne, like airplanes. They provide high speeds, long ranges, and cost-efficient operations for patient, passenger, and cargo transport. ERC’s flagship product is a crewed, hybrid-electric lift-and-cruise aircraft optimized for interhospital patient transport.
Founded in 2020 by experienced aerospace professionals, ERC currently has approximately 60 employees and is backed by aerospace powerhouse IABG, a leading provider of testing and certification services for aircraft, spacecraft, and defense solutions. The team focuses on heads-down engineering, capital-efficient development, and designing aircraft that fulfill highest customer and regulatory requirements.
The DRF Luftrettung, based in Filderstadt, is one of the largest air rescue organisations in Europe. The helicopters and ambulance aircraft of the non-profit organisation take off for their missions from 33 bases at 31 locations in Germany. These include emergency rescue missions, transports of intensive care patients between hospitals, as well as repatriation flights of patients from abroad. At 13 of these bases, crews are on standby around the clock, at one further HEMS base in daytime operation with extended off-peak hours (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.). Helicopters with rescue hoists are used at five bases. In total, the DRF Luftrettung performed 35,850 missions in 2024. The non-profit air rescue organization relies on financial support to continuously expand its life-saving mission. The DRF e.V. already has around 400,000 supporting members at its side. For more information, please visit www.drf-luftrettung.de