A Japanese ‘flying car’ has taken to the skies for a demo flight as the impressive technology is tested out over the country’s capital.
The vehicle has been developed by SkyDrive, a company that develops and manufactures eVTOL (electrical vertical take off and landing).
SkyDrive’s SD-05 flew over Tokyo Bay on February 24, bringing the sci-fi like vehicle into reality for onlookers.
It managed to stay in the air for around three minutes and 30 seconds, and flew as high as 150 metres.
The flight was part of a joint project with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Mitsubishi Estate and Kanematsu Corporation.
The SD-05 is propelled by 12 electric rotors and is battery-powered, capable of seating three people. It is controlled remotely by a computer.
Its propeller system allows it to keep flying safely even if one motor fails, Gadget Review reports.
The vehicle can carry up to 1,400kg and can travel at speeds up to 100km/h – swiftly transporting riders to their destination five times as fast as a typical, on-the-ground taxi.
SkyDrive hopes to launch a passenger service with the impressive car in 2028.
But, it might be a costly trip for those hoping to travel through the air, as the projected fares after 2030 are expected to be twice the amount of usual taxis.
The company has to be approved by Japan’s Civil Aviation Bureau as well as the FAA before it can launch a taxi service.
Its range is capped to five- to 10-minute flight times, stretching across 15 to 40 kilometres.
According to social media posts by SkyDrive, the futuristic car also flew in Osaka last year.
SD-05’s size means it can land in a greater range of locations compared to a helicopter.
According to the Azerbaijan state news agency Azertac, the company also unveiled a special terminal for flying cars to take off and land, as well as for operators to be based to control the vehicles.
It boasts even more advanced technology, including a facial recognition check-in system.
Virgin Atlantic announced last year it had plans for a similar taxi flying service in London and had formed a partnership with Joby Aviation.
The two companies said at the time how they aim to offer ‘seamless, zero-emission, short-range journeys across the UK’.
The futuristic electric air taxis are designed to carry a pilot and up to four passengers, and can hit impressive speeds of up to 200mph.
This means that the journey between Heathrow and Canary Wharf – which currently takes around 80 minutes by taxi – could be slashed to just eight minutes.
‘As a leader in sustainability and with innovation firmly in our DNA, we are delighted to be partnering with Joby to bring short-haul, zero-emission flight to airports and cities throughout the UK,’ said Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic.
‘Our strategic partnership combines Joby’s expertise in design, engineering and technology with the power of Virgin Atlantic’s brand and award-winning customer experience.
‘We look forward to working together to bring Joby’s service to the UK and to deliver greater connectivity for our customers.’
Virgin Atlantic