In recent days, we have the opportunity to see more and more news related to flying cars. Now, we offer you a very important piece of news that will redefine how we see the future. This idea has been speculated for many years, as far back as 1997, when it was shown in the movie The Fifth Element. There, we had the possibility to see flying cars, even flying taxis. Is this becoming a reality?
Well, exciting news is happening in urban air travel, with the German company Volocopter making some big moves. They're close to changing how we get around, and it's all starting to come together. Now we have the information that the German Federal Aviation Office (Luftfahrt-Bundesamt) has approved Volocopter for the serial production of their VoloCity electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle.
Volocopter has received approval for two new production and hangar facilities in Bruchsal, Germany. These facilities will cover the entire production process, from prototyping to serial manufacturing of the VoloCity eVTOL. Andreas Fehring, Volocopter's Chief Operating Officer, highlights this approval as a major milestone for the company. It signifies their readiness to produce safe and high-quality commercial aircraft for customers once the VoloCity receives type certification.
What is a VoloCity? What will the VoloCity flying taxi be like?
The VoloCity is an electrically powered aircraft, utilizing multiple electric motors for vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities. As an eVTOL aircraft, the VoloCity is designed to take off and land vertically, enabling it to operate in urban environments without the need for a runway.
As configuration, it is likely that the VoloCity follows a multicopter configuration, with multiple rotors distributed along its airframe to provide lift and stability. In terms of passanger configuration, the VoloCity is designed to carry passengers, typically with a capacity for two or more individuals, depending on the specific configuration.
Will the VoloCity be a safe mode of transportation?
Given Volocopter's emphasis on safety and the regulatory approvals mentioned mentioned before, it's reasonable to assume that the VoloCity incorporates advanced safety features and meets stringent aviation standards. The VoloCity is positioned as a solution for urban air mobility, providing an efficient and sustainable means of transportation for short to medium-distance trips within cities.
Volocopter plans to showcase its crewed VoloCity air taxi at the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka, Japan, after successfully flying it in the cities of Osaka and Amagasaki in preparation for the event.
This information is inspired by an article featured on IoT World Today. As we witness these advancements unfold, it's clear that flying taxis are no longer just a concept from science fiction—they're becoming a reality that will soon transform how we travel in our cities.