Rolls-Royce is also developing a flying taxi (Topic)

English Rolls-Royce has presented a visual prototype of a vertical landing and takeoff air taxi. The concept appeared at the Farnborough International Aerospace Show. The exhibition sample is designed for up to 5 people and develops a speed of up to 400 km / h.

Do many people make flying cars?

At the moment, a number of companies in the world are designing their own air taxi concepts. In the future, this kind of aircraft will become indispensable helpers in high-speed movement within large metropolitan areas, where the problem of congestion of highways and roads is still relevant. Since electric airplanes are developed primarily for use within cities, their vertical climb and subsequent landing technology, without the need for arranging areas for runways, is most optimal for urban infrastructure. British Rolls-Royce did not invent the bicycle and took a similar scheme to develop its own flying concept.

What makes the Rolls-Royce project unique?

However, Rolls-Royce air taxi is different from competing designs. The device moves not only due to electricity. The engines of the presented tiltrotor work using a generator and a gas turbine unit. This makes it possible to move over longer distances up to 800 km, in contrast to analogues. An additional advantage of a gas turbine instead of a standard battery-type power source is the acceleration of refueling between departures at already built helicopter stations and airports.

The company plans to carry up to 5 passengers. The manufacturer claims a working model will be released in 2020.

Competitors are awake

Electric flying devices are being designed by other manufacturer-developers, and some of the prototypes have already made test flights. So, this spring, Airbus and KittyHawk tested their concepts. Airbus adopts a design using a pair of swinging wings. The KittyHawk project features a static wing with a dozen lifting screws. The latter stop working immediately after climbing to altitude, after which the air taxi supports the pushing propeller in the tail compartment. The same principle applies to the development of an air taxi for Uber.

The Topic of Article: Rolls-Royce is also developing a flying taxi.
Author: Jake Pinkman