As part of its T21 Raptor hybrid aircraft program, Paragon VTOL Aerospace launched the program in 2018. The company indicated in March 2020 that it hoped to achieve first flight by the end of the year and type certification by the end of 2021. While building its first prototype, it conducted “virtual” simulation testing. Various unspecified aircraft will be used to assess the technology behind the T21 before the prototype T21 flies. In addition to the small drones it has acquired from other start-up ventures, the company has assembled a fleet of larger eVTOL designs. The company plans to conduct initial testing in a California warehouse. T21 prototype is currently being built, according to a March 2020 report.
As an optionally piloted hybrid-electric vehicle, the Raptor can be used for cargo transportation, air taxi services, agricultural support, law enforcement, and military missions.
Paragon is using Siemens software to accelerate the development of the T21 Raptor’s technology, including stress testing and assessing heat variances. Plasma is being used by the University of Florida to reduce drag-related noise. Plasma technology is the subject of five patents held by Paragon. Paragon is developing software for its unmanned traffic management system (UTM) to support eVTOL aircraft operations, developed by Robert Frederick, founder of logistics group Sirqul and co-founder of Amazon Web Services. Paragon founder Dwight Smith told FutureFlight that his company intends to offer other aircraft manufacturers and operators a “virtual highway platform” for managing traffic flow for autonomous aircraft. As he explained, this UTM system will incorporate technology already used in autonomous vehicles
Paragon says it has discussed the T21’s hybrid electric powerplant with both Safran and Rolls-Royce. A leading automobile manufacturer is also in talks with the company about possibly participating in the program, even though it intends to make the aircraft itself. Production facilities will be located on a 12,000-acre site in Jamaica.
The program will transition from development to operations by the end of 2021, according to Smith. Before passenger flights begin, the aircraft is expected to be used for cargo transport.
In mid-2021, Paragon released a new model called the Paragon Soar to replace the T21 Raptor. In addition, the company appears to be developing a single-seat, all-electric VTOL called the Paragon Dragonfly with a 25-minute flight time.
Brownsville, Texas-based company indicated that initial deliveries would take place in the third quarter of 2025 as of late 2022. It said that flight testing of a full-scale prototype would begin in 2023. Eight ducted fans are shown in the new design, six of which are attached to the wing, while two are attached to the tail and appear to tilt during cruise flight. The wing also appears to have multiple smaller ducted fans. The aircraft will be able to carry eight passengers and a pilot and fly at least 500 miles, according to Paragon. As the company announced the new model in 2021, hydrogen engines were planned for the engines, but the range projection has increased since then, so it is not clear what fuel the vehicle will use at launch. A 1,000-horsepower electric motor will power each ducted fan, according to Paragon’s website.
