Japanese eVTOL developer flight-testing the three-seat SD-05 under a JCAB type-certification program with an established G-1 basis and an agreed General Certification Plan.
Propulsion Architecture
Battery-electric multicopter with 12 independently controlled motors and propellers; piloted three-seat configuration.
Primary Certification Context
JCAB eVTOL
Strengths
JCAB issued the SD-05 G-1 certification basis in February 2025, and SkyDrive reported agreement with JCAB on the General Certification Plan in March 2026. The company subsequently reported stable 100 km/h high-speed testing and 300 cumulative flights through June 2026. The manufacturer publishes a triplex primary flight-control system plus a separate independent backup, 12 independently controlled motors and four battery systems.
Primary sources: General Certification Plan announcement; 100 km/h flight-test update; 300-flight update; SD-05 technical page.
Weaknesses / Open Questions
A G-1 certification basis and an agreed General Certification Plan are not a Type Certificate. JCAB conformity and compliance findings, production approval and operating approvals remain outstanding. Published performance and 2028 commercialization timing remain manufacturer claims or targets until approved.
Last Updated
September 19, 2026
