German startup Lilium has announced the successful test flight of a prototype five-seater electric flying taxi.
Flight control was carried out remotely. The video shows how the ship took off vertically, hovered above the ground and landed.
The new Lilium prototype is equipped with 36 electric motors mounted on wings and a tail that is wing-shaped but smaller. The air taxi is capable of reaching speeds of up to 300 km / h, the flight range on a single battery charge is 300 km.
The aircraft is capable of flying autonomously, but Lilium plans to also have a pilot on board, which should make it easier to pass difficult certification tests. The company is currently seeking approval from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), after which it intends to be certified by the US Federal Aviation Administration.
On board the air taxi it will be possible to transport, in addition to the pilot, 5 passengers and their luggage. To book a flight on demand, you can use the Lilium app, similar to the Uber app. The company told Verge that it plans to begin operating flights from midtown Manhattan to John F. Kennedy International Airport for about $70. The flight will take only 10 minutes. Commercial flights using air taxis are expected to start in 2025.
Source: 3dnews.ru