ERC System Completes First Public Test Flight of Romeo eVTOL in Munich

Ujjwal Sukhwani
By Ujjwal SukhwaniPublished Feb 11, 2026 at 01:23 PM UTC, 2 min read

Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.

ERC System Completes First Public Test Flight of Romeo eVTOL in Munich

ERC System completed the first public test flight of its 2.7-tonne Romeo eVTOL in Munich; the heavy-lift aircraft is designed for urgent medical transfers.

Key Takeaways

  • Successfully demonstrated the 2.7-tonne Romeo prototype at Erding military airfield.
  • Designed for heavy-lift missions including hospital-to-hospital patient transfers.
  • Features a 16-meter wingspan and can operate with a pilot or autonomously.
  • Targeting a commercial market entry by 2031 with a 500kg payload capacity.

Munich-based startup ERC System has reached a major milestone. The company successfully flew its Romeo aircraft in public. This event took place at the Erding military airfield. It marks a big step for European aviation.

Romeo is an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) craft. It weighs about 2.7 tonnes. This makes it one of Europe's largest electric planes. The aircraft has a 16-meter wingspan. It looks like a large helicopter.

The test flight validated the heavy-lift design. Romeo can carry up to 500 kilograms. It is built for urgent medical missions. This includes moving patients between hospitals. The craft can fly with a pilot. It can also fly by itself.

Technical Details and Partnerships

ERC System is a subsidiary of IABG. The parent company is a German tech provider. They have invested millions into this project. The flight used a permit from the LBA. This is the German aviation authority.

Future customer DRF Luftrettung supports the project. They operate many rescue flights today. They believe Romeo will save time. It will also lower transport costs. This is vital for critical care.

Industry Impact and Future Goals

This flight shows that heavy electric planes work. Most eVTOLs are much smaller. They usually carry only a few people. Romeo focuses on heavy cargo and patients. This fills a gap in the market.

ERC System aims for a 2031 launch. They must first meet strict safety rules. These rules come from the EASA. The company is now looking for system partners. They need parts for the hybrid power system.

  • Zero-emission flight reduces city noise.
  • Vertical takeoff allows landing at hospitals.
  • Large cabins fit standard medical stretchers.

This test proves that electric flight is real. It is no longer just a dream. The industry is moving toward cleaner skies. Munich is now a hub for this tech.

For in-depth airline coverage and commercial aviation news, flying.flights delivers timely industry insights. For reporting on UAP sightings, investigations, and aviation-related encounters, see the UAPs section at flying.flights/uaps.

Ujjwal Sukhwani

Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani

Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.

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