Science

Flying car: 120mph hydrogen-powered drone prototype unveiled in US


After decades of false starts, flying cars are finally becoming a reality. Hydrogen-powered flying cars are increasingly looking like the future of sustainable mass transit and a US-based firm has unveiled a working prototype of the next generation of travel. And the versatile drone boasts six rotors on the roof which and has space for five seats.

The passenger-carrying model of the Skai flying car can also be used as cargo carriers and for the emergency services.

Like a drone, the vehicle from Alaka’i Technologies takes off and lands vertically and has a range of 400 miles (644km), the capacity to carry 1,000 pounds (454kg) and could travel at up to 120mph (193kmh).

Makers of the oversized-drone say it will take up to 10 years for a fleet of taxis to be operational but hopes the flying car will be used as ambulances beforehand.

However, this new class of flying vehicles will have to first clear a number of regulatory hurdles before taking to the skies.

Skai joins a rapidly-expanding competitive industry populated by several aeronautics firms, including Boeing and Airbus.

READ MORE: Scientists probe supermassive BLACK HOLE to disprove Einstein theory

But few are focusing on the use of hydrogen fuel-cells – with the majority using electric motors.

Prototypes from Boeing and Airbus made successful test flights earlier this year, according to industry group Vertical Flight Society.

Most alternative options are powered by batteries, which add a significant weight and limits their range.

Skai’s use of hydrogen fuel cells therefore means their flying car is far lighter than others and allows for more flexibility in its use.

Kai CEO Stephan Hanvey said: “We just couldn’t get to the point where we could have enough batteries to get to the payload that we knew we needed.”

READ MORE: Scientists build ‘self-aware’ robot able to REPAIR ITSELF

Hydrogen fuel cells create electricity to power a battery and motor by mixing hydrogen and oxygen.

The only emissions are steam and water and excess energy can also be stored in batteries.

Alaka’i says it is planning a test flight near its Massachusetts headquarters.

It would be flown by an onboard pilot using a pair of joysticks, but the technology exists to eventually fly it remotely and even autonomously.

It will take time before the Federal Aviation Administration allows the autonomous flight of passenger vehicles, said Dorsey & Whitney attorney Thaddeus Lightfoot, who helps companies navigate FAA rules.

Regulators are still grappling with the proliferation of smaller drones – those under about 50 pounds flown by hobbyists and filmmakers.

The FAA just this year eased restrictions on flying small drones over crowds and at night.

Drone-like vehicles such as the Skai must first simply prove their airworthiness, like any common plane, Mr Lightfoot said.

After that, getting commercial certification is another convoluted process, he said.

“The technology is interesting, but the regulatory road will be very long,’ said Mr Lightfoot, adding that the idea of allowing people to fly in a large aircraft without a pilot is ‘well outside the current regulatory regime.”



READ SOURCE

Leave a Reply

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.