Mini-Bee

We aim to develop through a Lesser Open Source License [1] a hybrid Vertical and Take-Off Landing (VTOL) aircraft for medical purposes.

Project is at TRL4 in 2023.

File:20230418 Mini-Bee v16.pdf

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The Mini-Bee project is an open-source initiative undertaken by Technoplane SAS, where multiple actors including academics, individuals, and industries collaborate to achieve the project's goals. The project is achieved under a dedicated lesser open-source license, which allows for public sharing of project works on a wiki. The project's works are mainly shared on a public wiki, with tasks being achieved with coordinator management.
Private tasks and products covered by other licenses or intellectual property rights can be included within the project, with only interface works being covered by the open-source paragraph of the Lesser Open Source License. Participants may use the works done on the project for technical or commercial use, and standard royalty percentages are defined by default. More information can be found on the Industrial Property and Collaborative Bee websites.

Project Summary TRL4 - Summer 2023

Hybrid configuration VTOL Multicopter during end of TRL 3 is in june 2023 :
- 2 Pilots,
- 1 Rotax 915is without gearbox,
- 2 Emrax 228 twin hexaphase high voltage, combined cooled,
- Redressor and supercondensator, - 60 electric engines with propellers.

- 3 wheels,
- 2 seats,
- 1 parachute.

Intermediate presentation Ecole Centrale Lille :
File:20240417 Prez Mini Bee ECL.pdf

File:20230418 Mini-Bee v16.pdf

The development of a hybrid VTOL multicopter is an exciting project that is set to revolutionize the way we travel. This innovative aircraft is currently in TRL-4 configuration. The project includes several unique features that set it apart from traditional aircraft designs.

One of the most significant features of this hybrid VTOL multicopter is its propulsion system. It is equipped with a single Rotax 915is engine without gearbox and two Emrax 228 twin hexaphase high-voltage motors that are combined and cooled. This configuration provides the aircraft with an excellent balance of power and efficiency, making it an ideal choice for short-range flights.

In addition to the propulsion system, this aircraft is also equipped with a redressor and a superconductor. These two components work together to regulate the power output of the electric motors and improve the overall efficiency of the aircraft. With sixty electric engines and propellers, the hybrid VTOL multicopter can quickly take off and land vertically, making it an ideal choice for urban transportation.

The aircraft's design also includes several safety features, such as three wheels, two seats, and a parachute. The three wheels provide stability during takeoff and landing, while the two seats offer comfort and safety for the passengers. In the event of an emergency, the parachute can be deployed to ensure a safe landing.

The hybrid VTOL multicopter is also designed to be piloted by two people, further increasing its safety and reliability. The two pilots can work together to ensure that the aircraft is operating correctly and safely, providing peace of mind during their flight.

Overall, the hybrid VTOL multicopter is an innovative and exciting new project that has the potential to transform the way we travel. With its efficient propulsion system, safety features, and piloting capabilities, this aircraft is an excellent choice for short-range flights in suburban areas. As the project continues to develop, it will be interesting to see how it evolves and impacts the future of air transportation.

VTOL Technologies
Private Bee 3D GPS

Project History

Past TRL steps :
Minibee TRL3
Minibee TRL2
Minibee TRL1

File:20210414 Mini-Bee v10.pdf

• Presentation of VTOL and Mini-Bee made during Virtual Aerospace Show 7 april 2021

File:20210407 VTOL et Mini-Bee v2.pdf

Project was launched in January 2015 to study individual air transportation but switched to medical transportation on 2016.
On Paris Air Show 2015 we presented a first mock-up and it was a success !


File:20200921 Mini-Bee 2PAX v9-1.pdf

Bourget 2019 and event with cokcpit prototype : Bourget 2019

Summary of Mini-Bee projects since start in 2015.
File:Mini-Bee Evolution Projets v1.pdf

Minibee TRL2

During 2015 and 2016 multiple universities studied concept and TRL1 closed in June 2016.
In summer 2017, project achieved TRL2 at Paris Air Show 2017 and is now entering TRL3 with more than 15 universities and 10 industrial interested !
In 2018, studiez have made progress on the engine and hybrid configuration.

Challenge presentation from 2017 edition :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgEbw49LUFk Challenge2017video

Links

Emrax electric motors

Kanardia navigation equipement

STM control cards

Rtoax 915 piston engine

Here is the English version, ready to copy-paste into a MediaWiki project update section:

Project Update – Mini-Bee v23 (September 2025)

Reference Version

The current official project reference is:

Mini-Bee v23

Configuration: 18 distributed rotors

Hybrid propulsion: Rotax 916 iS + 2 × EMRAX

Capacity: 2 persons on board (including 1 pilot)

Target MTOW: 700 kg

Cruise speed: 160 km/h

Target range: 450 km

Current maturity level: TRL4 – demonstrator stage

The primary technical reference is maintained on the internal BP03 server, which serves as the official project source of truth.

Collaborative Organization 2025–2026

The Mini-Bee project continues its development through coordinated academic and industrial collaboration.

Flight Control Unit (FCU – 18 rotors)

Lead: ESTACA Saint-Quentin (2025/2026)

Objective: Full 18-rotor stabilization

STM32 integration with inertial sensors

Degraded modes logic and STOP/emergency management

Status: Development in progress.

Hybrid Power Chain (Rotax / EMRAX / Supercapacitors)

Lead: Centrale Lille (2025/2026)

Complete energy system modeling

Generator + rectifier test bench validation

Efficiency optimization and thermal management

Status: Ongoing work.

Structure / Crash / Rotor System

ESTACA Bordeaux (2025/2026)

Lycée Louis Armand (2025/2026)

Composite tubular structure analysis

Crashworthiness studies

Rotor surface optimization

Status: Study and modeling phase.

Avionics & HMI

Coordinated by ESTACA SQY + Centrale Lille

Kanardia integration (EMSIS, DAQu)

Human-machine interface (steering wheel + joystick)

Warning logic and flight supervision

Status: Under development.

Short and Mid-Term Objectives

2026 Objective:

Complete ground demonstrator (propulsion + FCU + integrated sensors)

2027 Objective:

Tethered flight prototype

2028 Objective:

First free-flight demonstrator

2029 Objective:

Pre-certification phase and SC-VTOL-02 compliance matrix

Structural Project Milestones

Architecture frozen: 18 distributed rotors

Hybrid propulsion concept validated

Modular deployment via 3 LD3 containers

Integrated ballistic parachute

Certification approach aligned with SC-VTOL-02 / CS-27

The Mini-Bee project continues evolving toward a lightweight, modular hybrid VTOL platform designed for humanitarian missions and medical evacuation, following a progressive engineering path toward certification.

Advancing Medical Transport with Mini-Bee TRL4 in 2023

The Mini-Bee project, now at TRL4 in 2023, represents a significant step forward in the realm of medical transportation. With its hybrid Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) multicopter configuration, Mini-Bee is poised to revolutionize the way we approach medical emergencies and logistics.

Aircraft Features At its core, Mini-Bee boasts a cutting-edge propulsion system. With a single Rotax 915is engine, combined with two Emrax 228 twin hexaphase high-voltage motors, the aircraft achieves a remarkable balance between power and efficiency. This setup allows for swift vertical takeoffs and landings, making it ideal for urban medical transport scenarios.

Redressor and Superconductor The inclusion of a redressor and superconductor enhances power regulation and overall efficiency. These components work in tandem to optimize the electric motors' performance, ensuring reliable and energy-efficient operation.

Safety First Safety is paramount in the Mini-Bee design. The aircraft features three wheels for stability during takeoff and landing, two seats to ensure passenger comfort and security, and a parachute for emergency situations. Moreover, the aircraft is piloted by two individuals, reinforcing its commitment to safety and reliability.

Collaboration and Open Source License The Mini-Bee project is a shining example of collaboration. Spearheaded by Technoplane SAS, it brings together academics, individuals, and industries under a dedicated Lesser Open Source License. This license enables the public sharing of project works on a wiki, fostering a transparent and inclusive environment for innovation. Private tasks and products covered by other licenses or intellectual property rights are seamlessly integrated into the project, promoting a harmonious exchange of ideas and technologies.

A Bright Future As Mini-Bee progresses from TRL4, it paves the way for a brighter future in medical transportation. Its efficient propulsion, safety features, and collaborative spirit hold the promise of transforming how we approach medical emergencies and logistics. Stay tuned for further developments as Mini-Bee continues its journey toward higher TRL levels and making a significant impact in the field of medical aviation.