Prototypes are finally taking off after a difficult time for investors, and some surprising challengers have joined the race
Among the fighter jets and military helicopters performing for the crowds at the Paris airshow last week, a strange two-seater craft lifted off the runway. Like a drone crossed with a helicopter, the Volocopter has an electric motor and a white wasp-shaped body, on top of which sits a circular frame supporting 18 separate sets of blades, or rotors. With that short flight, the dream of making flying taxis for the masses moved a little closer to becoming reality.
Made by a German startup, Volocopter was the only such vehicle actually flying at the show, while other companies displayed mock-ups. Getting from the costly design and testing phase to even costlier manufacturing will be a major challenge for the industry. Not all of the competitors will survive.
About Author
More Stories
EU should spare carmakers from ‘punitive’ emissions fines, says Scholz
OpenAI whistleblower who died was being considered as witness against company
Will Japan’s close ties with US survive the caprice and quirks of Donald Trump?