A prototype of the ‘flying car’ of the American aircraft manufacturer Boeing has successfully completed a first test run. The electric device fits in the larger plans around autonomous taxi’s.
The test took place in Manassas, Virginia. The chest rose like a helicopter vertically, and remained on the spot hovering and landed again.
this is only a first phase. It is not yet clear when taxi’s allowed would be whether they are effective in traffic. Several companies, however, in the race for the development of the flying car. Also archrival Airbus is working on a project, as well as under more helikopterbouwer Bell or taxideelbedrijf Uber and chipproducent Intel.
Boeing is already satisfied with the achieved “milestone”. “In a year’s time we are from a concept design to a flying prototype gone,” said technologieverantwoordelijke Greg Hyslop the Boeing.
The device measures 9 meters and has various features of a private aircraft with wings, a cockpit at the front and a tail region, but combines that with a propeller in the back and different propellers in a frame around it, like a drone. Boeing is aiming for an autonomy of around 80 kilometres.