The world has been dreaming of flying cars for decades now. From movies to comics, it’s been probably every hook and crook of our imagination. While during all this time it is important to note the rapid growth of automobile companies. However, recently, they reached a new height by turning our imagination into reality.
Yes, flying cars are now a reality!
The SkyDrive Project
SkyDrive, a Japan-based urban air mobility solutions company has successfully executed the country’s first public demonstration of a flying car.
The SkyDrive project was started as a volunteer project in 2012 and was called Cartivator. The funding came from top Japanese companies. This included Toyota, Panasonic, and Bandai Namco.
The successful flight
A test flight video of the new SD-03 flying car was shared with reporters. It had one person aboard and lifted about 1-2 meters above the ground. Moreover, the test was conducted in a netted area at the Toyota Test field.
The new flying car hovered for 4 minutes. Whereas it has a potential of about 5 to 10 minutes. Besides the company thinks that it will have more potential if the time duration reaches 30 minutes. This potential will include exports to places like China.
Future of the project
The CEO of SkyDrive, Tomohiro Fukuzawa expressed his hope that the flying car can be made into a usable product by 2023. He asserted that safety must still also be important for the same.
While talking to Associated Press he said: “Of the world’s more than 100 flying car projects, only a handful have succeeded with a person on board.” He added, “I hope many people will want to ride it and feel safe.”
The eVTOL which means electric vertical takeoff and landing offers point-to-point personal travel. While we have aeroplanes and helicopters in contrast.
Along with this, they could help reduce the hassle of airports, traffic jams, and the expense of employing pilots. However, there are many challenges ahead.
Flying Car and its Challenges
The potential challenges can be battery sizes, air traffic control, and other infrastructure concerns. These are just problems. Additionally, there will be many challenges that are a part of commercializing this mode. Such concerns have been expressed by experts.
Moreover, the success of this test will flight has implications. This means that the flying car will be tested out of the Toyota Test field till the end of the year.
