Airbus to test self-piloting flying taxis later this year

The famous aircraft company Airbus has planned to test unmanned "airborne taxis" by the end of 2017.

According to TechCrunch, Airbus is very serious about the "flying car" project. The company has planned to test a prototype of a small self-driving aircraft capable of carrying 1 passenger in an urban environment. The information was revealed by Airbus CEO Tom Enders to Reuters news agency. Accordingly, Airbus is developing an aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) through Project Vahana. This is an internal project with the purpose of testing the feasibility and refining the technical elements for a prototype of an urban transport aircraft.

One of the concepts of flying taxi. (Illustration photo).

Enders called the project “very important” for Airbus at the DLD technology conference in Munich on Monday. He noted that air transit for cargo and passengers is useful in reducing urban congestion. It also has implications for urban planning and redevelopment.

The Vahana project aims to produce aircraft that can operate in urban environments and travel short distances by 2021. A real prototype of this aircraft will be tested by Airbus later this year.

This compact aircraft is designed with four adjustable propellers that allow it to take off vertically and then fly like a normal plane. Airbus emphasizes the highest feasibility and efficiency in the design of this "air taxi". They will most likely use electric motors with the goal of minimizing the negative impact on the environment and of course not causing pollution like the current ground transportation.

Vahana project products will aim for compact flying devices like this. (Photo: TechCrunch).

Flying cars are still a strange concept and seem to exist only in science fiction. However, Airbus believes that with the speed of technology today - especially in the fields of self-driving cars and electric battery technology - it can realize this vehicle while keeping the safety of users.

Airbus' biggest challenge after completing this special aircraft is the legal corridor. The company must convince lawmakers that this vehicle is safe to travel in crowded urban environments.

According to Khoahoc.tv