[ CASE STUDY ]
eXalt Aircraft
SOLO — The Hypercar of the Skies
Step into a world where aerospace engineering meets automotive luxury with the eXalt SOLO. This high-performance personal aircraft redefines the flying experience, focusing on pilot ergonomics, intuitive controls, and a breathtaking aesthetic that looks fast even when standing still.
Concept Design
The design of the SOLO is inspired by WWII warbirds, single-seat race cars, and modern roadsters, creating a bold and aerodynamic silhouette. We began with an extensive ideation phase producing over 60 concept sketches. The focus was on crafting clean, high-performance body lines that enhance aerodynamics, developing masterlines (Class A surfaces) to refine the final form, and integrating lightweight carbon fiber elements for both aesthetics and performance.
Ergonomics & Cockpit
A seamless user experience was a priority, shaping both the aircraft's structure and cockpit environment. The ergonomic cockpit layout, inspired by Grand Tourer cars, ensures an intuitive and comfortable flying experience. Strategic control placement improves flight dynamics, while the lightweight modular structure reduces assembly complexity.
Brand Identity
Developing a strong, modern brand identity was crucial to positioning eXalt Aircraft as a leader in affordable, high-performance aviation. The identity reflects innovation, accessibility, and cutting-edge aerodynamics, ensuring a recognizable presence in the industry. The logotype, color palette, and graphic system were built to work across digital, print, and livery applications.
Engineering & Structure
The SOLO was engineered with efficiency and ease of assembly in mind. Key contributions include wing and wing box design using aluminum frame with carbon fiber skins, a carry-through and spar optimized for high rigidity with minimal weight, a chromoly steel spaceframe ensuring a robust yet lightweight chassis, and a modular bolt-together system enabling full assembly in just 40 hours without specialized tools.
Results & Impact
The eXalt SOLO redefined the light sport aviation industry, offering a high-performance, easy-to-assemble aircraft. Key achievements include
