A Japanese aviation firm is planning for its flying car, the SkyDrive SD-XX, to be a mainstream vehicle by 2030…
The flying car concept has been around for more than 100 years, with the first one, the Curtiss Autoplane, introduced in 1917. It could lift slightly off the ground, but could never achieve full flight. There was a Delorean in the 1980s that could fly, but that had timing issues. Fast forward to today, and a Japanese aviation firm is planning for its flying car, the SkyDrive SD-XX, to be a mainstream vehicle by 2030.
The SD-XX is different from vertical takeoff aircraft that can only take off and land in a fixed locations. On the SD-XX, the pilot can land and drive away. The ability to use roads and only take up two parking spaces could be a game changer. Unlike previous generations of flying cars, the SD-XX has a futuristic shape, measures four metres in length and 3.5 wide, and is designed to carry two passengers easily — and their shopping.
With eight propellers on the four corners of the vehicle, it is projected to fly at up to 500 metres at 100 km/h for 20 km — making it a perfect city commuter flying car. The project has sponsorship from Toyota, Fujitsu, and Panasonic and is working with local governments in Japan to bring the vision to life. The aircraft completed its technical verification phase recently and plans to do the first test flight of its full-sized prototype.
The benefits of such a vehicle would be to provide safety and convenience, reduce conventional traffic, and show off on socials. Like everyday vehicles, Skydrive hope this mode of transportation will be regulated, mass-produced, and used on a daily basis. The company expects to achieve certification and start taking orders for its SD-XX in 2023. Starting as a Kickstarter project — they’re on track to become a real life Japanese Jetsons. ■
By Bill Varetimidis
For the full article grab the September 2021 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
