German startup Volocopter has been engaged on its absolutely electrical vertical take-off and touchdown (eVTOL) plane since 2011.
After a sequence of prototypes and “greater than 1,500” take a look at flights, the corporate has developed the full-size pre-production prototype of its air taxi — named VoloCity.
On Wednesday, Volocopter launched footage of VoloCity’s maiden flight, which you’ll watch on the video above.
The flight, which passed off in December 2021, reveals the plane taking off, hovering above the bottom for one minute, after which efficiently touchdown, remotely piloted by the operators with no individuals onboard.
The eVTOL has room for 2 passengers and hand baggage, with a 200kg capability. It’s powered by 18 motors and 9 rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which might be swapped in 5 minutes.
Its flying vary is 35km with a prime pace of 110km/h.
Though it options 18 rotors on prime, the corporate claims that it’s 4 instances quieter than a median helicopter.
Most not too long ago, the air taxi accomplished its first crewed flight in Paris,France, in preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics, the place it’s aiming to supply its first passenger companies.
One other first for Volocopter because it turns into the primary #eVTOL firm to fly with a pilot aboard in #France. Extra particulars right here: https://t.co/VkjL1QtlEG pic.twitter.com/BuwEt1TEQv
— Volocopter (@volocopter) March 24, 2022
By this level, I do know what you’re considering. Is that this actually the kind of flying taxi we have been promised? I, for one, was anticipating one thing nearer to the DeLorean in Again to the Future, or a minimum of the X-34 landspeeder in Star Wars.
In distinction, the VoloCity seems to be extra like a bizarre mixture of a helicopter and a drone.
Whereas the flying taxis Volocopter and different firms have offered us with don’t have the futuristic vibe we’d like, we’ve got to understand the know-how, contemplating the numerous advantages it will possibly convey to the desk.
eVTOLs may not look that cool, however they’re extra sustainable autos, they will cut back our reliance on CO2-emitting planes and trains, and so they can reduce on our journey time.
