Textron eAviation's futuristic Nexus electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft has hit the brakes. According to multiple reports, the company has slowed its certification process, pushing back its first flight plans. For an industry eager to see advanced air mobility become a reality, the move raises questions but also reflects the significant technical and regulatory hurdles ahead.

Certification Slowdown

Textron has confirmed that the first flight of the Nexus One will no longer take place in 2025 as originally anticipated. Certification efforts have been paused or slowed, signaling a deliberate step back from earlier aggressive timelines.

Flight Testing Plans

Back in October 2024, Textron announced it would conduct flight tests at Salina Regional Airport in Kansas after tethered testing at Wichita's National Institute for Aviation Research. While the Salina tests remain part of the roadmap, the delay pushes this milestone further into the future.

Development Status

• Prototype assembly began in Wichita during 2024.
• Wind tunnel testing of a 23% scale model was conducted in mid-2023 to validate aerodynamics, rotor/wing interaction, and performance estimates.
• The demonstrator was intended to fly remotely before moving toward piloted models closer to 2030.

Industry Context

The revised Nexus timeline reflects a broader reality: eVTOL certification is complex. Regulatory frameworks are still evolving, and safety remains paramount. Textron's decision to ease off the accelerator may disappoint enthusiasts, but it underlines a cautious, pragmatic strategy. A target entry into service around 2030 now seems most realistic.

Conclusion

Textron's Nexus program remains active, but its latest pause highlights how difficult bringing electric air taxis to market will be. Unlike startups rushing to grab headlines, Textron appears content to play the long game—leveraging deep aviation experience while avoiding premature promises. For EVWorld readers, the takeaway is clear: eVTOLs are coming, but the road to everyday urban air mobility will be measured in decades, not years.