In the last ten years, different concepts of electric vertical take-off and landing aircrafts (eVTOLs) have been tested. This article addresses the problem of the choice of the best configuration. VTOLs built since the fifties are presented and their advantages, disadvantages, and problems are discussed. Three representative eVTOLs, one for each main configuration, are compared on five main parameters and three reference missions. The parameters are disk loading, total hover time, cruise speed, practical range, and flight time. The performance of the eVTOLs on the urban, extra-urban, and long-range mission is evaluated computing the time and energy required. The results show that the best configuration depends on the mission. The multirotor is more efficient in hover. The vectored thrust jet is more efficient in cruise and has a higher range. The lift + cruise is a compromise.

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The recent advances in battery energy density and electric propulsion systems for automotive applications are enabling the development of the electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The electric VTOL is a new means of transport that can fly like an aircraft and take off and land vertically like a helicopter, sometimes called personal aerial vehicle. This paper compares it to the existing vehicles that may compete with it and addresses the estimation of its performances in hover, cruise flight, and the transition phase. The main parameters affecting performances are then discussed. Considerable space is dedicated to the battery mass to total mass ratio.

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