Long being a stuff of science fiction, aviation and technology leaders are working to make electric-powered flying taxis a reality, including Airbus, U.S. ride- sharing firm Uber, BlackFly and a range of start-ups including one backed by Google co-founder Larry Page, called Kitty Hawk.
Rolls-Royce said on Sunday it has drawn up plans for an electric vertical take-off and landing (EVTOL) vehicle, or flying taxi, which could carry four to five people at speeds of up to 250 miles per hour for approximately 500 miles.
Rolls-Royce’s design will be showcased in digital form at the Farnborough Airshow, which starts on Monday. The company is looking for an airframer and a partner to provide aspects of the electrical system to help commercialise the project.
Rolls-Royce said in a statement it was well-placed to play a leading role in the “personal air mobility” market. “The concept vehicle uses gas turbine technology to generate electricity to power six electric propulsors designed to have a low noise profile,” the company said, adding the design used its existing M250 gas turbine.
Reference- The Hindu, NDTV website, Rolls-Royce PR