Bellwether’s half-scale Volar flight-test report described an early step in developing a city-oriented electric aircraft—not a finished, certified vehicle. Bellwether now identifies Oryx as the third-generation Volar and says it is actively flight-testing the model in Dubai. The company’s published specifications and development claims are not independent proof of performance, safety, or commercial readiness.
What is Bellwether’s Volar?
Volar is Bellwether Industries’ name for an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, or eVTOL. The company describes its design as a wingless lifting body with hidden electric propulsion, intended to be compatible with urban environments. Those are Bellwether’s design descriptions; the available sources do not independently validate the aircraft’s performance or safety.
The half-scale flight-testing headline refers to an earlier development milestone. Bellwether’s current product page describes later generations, so that report should not be read as a description of the aircraft now being tested.
How the current Volar generations compare
Bellwether’s current Volar page lists Antelope as the second generation and Oryx as the third. The company presents Oryx as its current flight-test platform.
#1 Best Overall
- Revell Model Kit #85-5810, Skill Level 4, Contains 66-Parts, Recommended for ages 12 and up
- Accurate surface details
- Includes GTD-21 surveillance drone with cart
- Decals with authentic U.S. Air Force markings
- Molded in black and clear. Paint and glue required(not included).
| Model | Generation | Seats listed by Bellwether | Dimensions listed by Bellwether | Stated development role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antelope | Second | Two | 3,000 × 6,000 × 1,600 mm | Earlier Volar generation; Bellwether describes Oryx as developed from it. |
| Oryx | Third | Three | 3,700 × 6,300 × 1,900 mm | Bellwether’s scaled testing platform and current flight-test model. |
Specifications and roles in the table are from Bellwether’s undated Volar product page, accessed in 2026. They are company-listed figures, not independently verified specifications for certified or commercially available aircraft.
What is known about Oryx flight testing?
Bellwether says Oryx is undergoing active flight testing in Dubai. It describes development work involving the airframe, flight efficiency, endurance, performance, and control systems. The company also says it is working toward improvements in payload capacity, stability, and range.
Rank #2
- Revell Plastic Model Airplane Kit #85-5512 is skill level 4 and contains 147 parts. Recommended for ages 12 and up.
- 1:48 scale model, Length 14-1/4", Wingspan 16.75"
- Crew figures and weighted tires. Machine guns mounted in glass nose.
- Decals included to build one of two variants from the 345th Bomb Group, the Air Apaches.
- Molded in light gray and clear. Paint and glue not included.
These statements describe the company’s development objectives, not published test results. The cited company pages do not provide flight logs, flight hours, speed, altitude, measured range, or certification milestones. Bellwether’s homepage outlines a progression from Gazelle, the first generation, to Oryx, and says the company’s journey began in 2013; it says Gazelle launched in 2015 and Bellwether Industries was registered in London in January 2019.
What the half-scale report said—and what it does not establish
The New Atlas report’s available search excerpt recounts Bellwether’s then-stated plans for a privately owned aircraft, a final design with four to five seats, and a desired market entry in 2028. These are historical forward-looking statements reported in New Atlas’s Volar article, not confirmation of current specifications, certification, or availability. The exact publication date and fuller article details are not established here.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- IFF antenna array in front of the cockpit distinguishes this CCIP-equipped model from other F-16s.
- Curved form of the F-16 accurately reproduced with trademark Tamiya precision.
- Moveable horizontal stabilizers. "Flaperons" can be modelled in the up or down positions.
- Full ordnance load including AGM-88 HARM, AIM-120C AMRAAM, AIM-9M/X Sidewinder, ECM pod, and fuel tanks included.
- Centerline and inner wing pylons as well as tail assembly feature polycaps to allow easy detachment for storage.
The older four-to-five-seat concept should not be conflated with the current company page’s three-seat Oryx listing. Nor does the half-scale testing headline establish that a full-size production aircraft has flown or met regulatory requirements.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What remains unconfirmed
The available company pages and historical report do not establish measured performance for the half-scale vehicle, a certification record, a current sale price, or firm delivery timing. They also do not show that Volar is operating as a passenger service. Bellwether’s homepage mentions proposed premium transport and emergency-service concepts involving Excel Helicopters and Naffco, respectively, but does not establish active deployments or services.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Reissue of the classic 1/120 box scale Boeing B-29
- Measures 10 1/2 inches long with a 14 inch wingspan
- This kit comes molded in silver with clear swivel stand and another display stand option
- Updated decals for 3 versions! Built up by Bill Engar with Dauntless Dotty decals
- Skill Level 2. This 8.1x2.2x15.9 inch package contains 44 parts. Made in the USA.
Rank #4
- 1/72nd scale
- Highly detailed cockpit interior and landing gear
- Authentic markings available for two versions
- Optional part to build as -3 or -5 version included
- Paint and glue not included
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
