SkyDrive plans to launch an air cab service at the 2025 Osaka World Expo and has announced the design of a new two-seat SD-05 eVTOL, drawing lessons from the development of its sporty SD-03 single-seat prototype.
As a successor to the SD-03 prototype, which will be publicly demonstrated in August 2020, the SD-05 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is being developed as a two-seat air cab, with one of the occupants expected to be the pilot – unlike China’s autonomous eHang 216.
The pilot will be aided by a computer-controlled flight system to ensure stability in the air, with a dozen motor/propeller combinations rising and departing at three times the speed on angular “pearl white swallow” wings above the cabin.
In fact, the aero body is said to be inspired by “studies of bird and animal streamlining” and features horizontal and vertical tail fins to increase flight stability.
The SkyDrive aims to achieve a cruising speed of 100 km/h (62 mph) and an operating range of up to 10 km (6.2 miles) per charge, so it may be limited to quick jumps within cities or short tourist flights – for example, shuttling between tourist attractions in the Osaka Bay area or transporting vacationers to and from resorts.
The SD-05 main body structure will be made of aluminum and composite materials. It will measure 9.4 x 9.4 x 2.7 meters (30.8 x 30.8 x 8.5 feet) and have a maximum takeoff weight of 1,100 kg (2,400 pounds).
Renderings of the SD-05 depict a very different air cab than the one released earlier this year following the announcement of a partnership with Suzuki, and design specifications may change further as development progresses, but the company is already looking for the first type of certification from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. SkyDrive also has its eye on providing last-mile transportation in the U.S. at some point in the future options, having opened an office in the U.S. this month.
“This is another big step toward making flying cars and air highways a reality,” said Takumi Yamamoto, the company’s director of design. “Two years have passed since the announcement of SD-03, which successfully completed the public manned flight testing in August 2020, and we are very excited to announce its successor, SD-05. we look forward to meeting everyone at Expo 2025 in Osaka.”
