All posts in “Flying Cars”

Alaka’i Technologies Skai Flying Car

The future of transportation is looking brighter as ever with more companies working on their prototypes for flying cars. Established aeronautical companies such as Airbus and Boeing and dabbling with their concepts. Meanwhile, pioneering startup groups are likewise running the race to introduce their services soon. Talking about the latter, here we have another one joining their ranks to offer another platform. The Alaka’i Technologies Skai is an upcoming flying vehicle that can ferry cargo and passengers alike.

In the meantime, competing brands are using various power sources–ranging from traditional engines, hybrids, and all-electric models. The Skai, on the other hand, is promising to have the cleanest powerplant on board. Instead of fossil fuel or batteries, this new startup will equip its aircraft with hydrogen fuel cells. As it stands right now, the technology is even more sustainable than lithium-ion batteries. Given that fuel cells can store more energy per volume, we can expect superior mileage thanks to weight reduction.

Likewise, the company claims that the materials of its fuel cells are 99-percent recyclable. Furthermore, another impressive advantage it has over lithium-ion batteries is faster recharging times. Unlike competing models that apply vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) technology, the Alaka’i Technologies Skai is set up like a drone. It features six rotors arranged on fixed points. The engineers are looking at an approximate range of 400 miles on a full tank of hydrogen. Finally, there are safety measures in place, such as a parachute, fuel cell protection system, and a capability to land even with two of its rotors out of commission.

Discover more about it here

Airbus Vahana Alpha Two Flying Taxi

The race to become the first company to launch a flying car is quickly pushing forward. Since traditional aircraft require a runway to gather enough speed to take flight, manufacturers are adopting a different kind of technology to overcome this limitation. In essence, the most practical solution for the difficulties with infrastructure is a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) system. Hence, the Airbus Vahana Alpha Two will rely on the same configuration like many of its competitors.

Last week we eagerly featured the Bell Nexus and the Lilium. Both of which are flying taxis that use a hybrid and an all-electric power source respectively. Moreover, these two are spacious and can accommodate up to five passengers with one of them being the pilot. The latter just recently completed its maiden flight successfully. Meanwhile, the Vahana Alpha Two is a one-seater that can operate autonomously to pick up and ferry its occupant anywhere within range. Completing its test flights back in 2018, the latest version of the aircraft is showcasing how its cabin will look like.

As expected from an autonomous machine, the Airbus Vahana Alpha Two comes with a simple cabin. Climb up and all you’ll see inside is the seat and a single monitor in front. We just hope that there’s an emergency failsafe that allows passengers to take control in an emergency. The single-seat setup lets you experience the view as the pilot minus any flying experience. Just like the Lilium flying taxi, it is an all-electric model. The eight propellers are mounted in sets of two for each tilt wing. Airbus estimates a 62-mile range for each flight.

Check it out here

Images courtesy of Airbus

PAL-V Liberty Pioneer Flying Car

Much has been said about flying cars, but there’s only one true thing about them — they’re not real. Well, they are, but they’re super clunky, not to mention expensive.

No matter how much the ‘80s wanted us to believe they were going to be commonplace in the future (which is our present now), airspace vehicles are non-existent.

Almost. A number of companies are trying to change that. Most of them, however, have only thus far come up with motorcycles. PAL-V wants to put an actual car up in the air. The company has now updated it Liberty model from yesteryear and calls it Liberty Pioneer.

PAL-V is just making 50 units. The vehicle retains its predecessor’s versatility, transforming from car to gyrocopter and back in about 5 minutes per phase. It zooms through 1,000 feet of runway and lands with only 98 feet of runway. It’s got a 310-mile range and land speeds of up to 100mph.

The Liberty Pioneer is much more expensive than its older sibling, however. PAL-V added some luxurious aesthetic revamps here, including full leather appointments. So, you’ll see heavy use of carbon fiber trim. But it’s not just about looks. There’s also a new Electronic Flight Information System for more efficient navigation.

To drive one, you just need a pilot’s license. Oh, and $599,000 for the car. That’s a ridiculous amount of money to splurge on a vehicle, one that’s largely still experimental. But, hey — thanks to your deep pockets, the world is one step closer to roaming the airspace.

SEE IT HERE

Photos courtesy of PAL-V