Volocopter, ADAC Strengthen eVTOL Rescue Partnership
The development builds on a previous project.
Wanfeng Auto Holding Group announced on July 24 that its subsidiary Volocopter has expanded its strategic cooperation with German air rescue organization ADAC Luftrettung to further explore the use of eVTOL aircraft in emergency medical services in Germany.
The initiative builds on a project launched by the ADAC Foundation and the Institute of Emergency Medicine and Medical Management (INM) at the University of Munich.
Since 2018, ADAC Luftrettung and Volocopter have collaborated on a feasibility study that used computer simulations to assess the use of eVTOLs in emergency medical services.
In June 2023, the partners announced plans for ADAC Luftrettung to purchase two VoloCity aircraft for research operations starting in late 2024, with an option for up to 150 additional units to support future rescue missions across Germany.
The new partnership aims to integrate Volocopter’s VoloCity eVTOL aircraft into real-world medical response operations.
According to Wanfeng, ADAC Luftrettung will conduct operational trials to evaluate the aircraft’s suitability for emergency missions and gather data to support future implementation.
The trials aim to help the organization prepare for a gradual transition to electric aviation and inform strategic planning around new technologies in rescue services.
VoloCity will serve as the basis for customized testing programs that address the specific requirements of air rescue missions.
Following its restructuring under Wanfeng Diamond Aircraft, Volocopter is advancing the partnership with enhanced technical and operational capabilities, the parent company said.
The group added that Wanfeng Diamond Aircraft provides strong support in areas such as technology development, regulatory compliance, and market deployment, while ADAC Luftrettung brings decades of practical experience in air rescue operations.
For Wanfeng, the partnership is expected to strengthen the position of the VoloCity model in urban air mobility and emergency rescue sectors. Meanwhile, ADAC Luftrettung will gain practical experience by deploying the aircraft in actual rescue missions.
Additional plans call for driving continuous innovation, with a focus on technological advancements, operational efficiency, and sustainable development.
Wanfeng also noted that the collaboration seeks to promote the introduction and broader adoption of VoloCity within Germany’s emergency medical system, while focusing on developing an efficient, zero-emission aerial rescue framework.
Together, both parties aim to build a next-generation, zero-emission aerial rescue ecosystem that can serve as a model for aeromedical transformation worldwide.
ADAC Luftrettung (German Air Rescue) is a leading non-profit air rescue service in Europe. It is affiliated with ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club), which is Germany’s largest traffic association.
Volocopter has also put out a statement, which you can read here.