Electric aero tech start-up Skydrive is aiming to take a slice of the commercial Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) market after unveiling its new SD-05 'flying car'.
Skydrive, which was established in 2018, showcased its first eVTOL SD-03 concept last year at the Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas.
Earlier this year the firm announced it would collaborate with car brand Suzuki to work together on research and development, manufacturing and mass production.
Skydrive’s SD-05 is a two-seat eVTOL craft that can travel up to 10km (six miles) with a maximum cruising speed of 100km/h (60mph).
The firm says that the design and specification of the SD-05 are subject to change as the firm continues its development.
It is also in the process of acquiring certification of its eVTOL craft from the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) so the SD-05 can be flown in the country.
The SD-05 is operated by a pilot but has been equipped with a computer-controlled flight assistance system to provide greater in-flight stability.
Skydrive says that the exterior design of its new aircraft was informed by studying the shapes of - wait for it - birds and animals. From this the firm added both horizontal and vertical trails for added stability during a flight.
There are 12 motor-propellers positioned in the corners of the airframe for flight stability. Skydrive says it conducted more than 1000 test flights during the development of its airframe design.
Skydrive is planning to use the SD-05 for an air taxi service in Osaka Bay which it aims to launch in Japan in 2025.
The company is also considering other applications of use for its new craft including short-cut transportation and emergency medical services.
"Two years have passed since the announcement of the SD-03, which successfully completed its public manned flight test in August 2020, and we are very happy to be able to announce its successor, the SD-05,” said Takumi Yamamoto, Skydrive design director.
"This vehicle is not just a simple means of travelling from point A to B. Based on the design concept of 'giving wings to daily travel,' it's also a safer and more enjoyable travel partner."
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