On April 13, the Osaka-Kansai Expo (EXPO 2025) will open in Yumeshima, Osaka. Here we report on scenes from the media day held prior to the opening of the Expo.
On April 9, SkyDrive, an air mobility startup, held a demonstration flight of its flying car (SD-05) at the Expo Vertiport, located at the northwest end of the venue. In addition, a mock-up of the actual aircraft was on display in the hangar, and visitors were able to actually enter the aircraft.
The cabin has one cockpit and two passenger seats with a total capacity of three passengers (already changed from the capacity of two at the time of the announcement in September 2022). The aircraft is powered entirely by electricity, with a battery in the rear of the fuselage and 12 rotors on top.
Since the flight does not involve fuel combustion, it has a low environmental impact and can operate with less noise than existing helicopters and other aircraft. In addition, helicopters approach at a slight angle during takeoff and landing, while flying vehicles have the advantage of a completely vertical takeoff and landing, which allows for a more compact landing and takeoff site.
For flying cars like the SD-05, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism issued applicable standards for obtaining type certification in February, and the company explained that it will further develop and conduct test flights to obtain the TC.
Although the vehicle is currently equipped with a cockpit, as can be seen from the unmanned demo flight shown in a separate article, it has already achieved pilotless flight and will be available only for passengers in the future.
© Source travel watch
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