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Rolls-Royce said on Sunday it had drawn up plans for an electric
vertical take-off and landing (EVTOL) vehicle, or flying taxi,
which could carry four to five people at speeds of up to 250
miles per hour for approximately 500 miles.
The company, which makes engines for planes, helicopters and
ships, joins a variety of companies racing to develop flying
taxis, which could revolutionize the way people travel.
Long the stuff of science fiction and futuristic cartoons such
as "The Jetsons", aviation and technology leaders are working to
make electric-powered flying taxis a reality, including Airbus,
U.S. ride- sharing firm Uber and a range of start-ups including
one backed by Google co-founder Larry Page, called Kitty Hawk.
Rolls-Royce's design will be showcased in digital form at the
Farnborough Airshow, which starts on Monday. The company is
looking for an airframer and a partner to provide aspects of the
electrical system to help commercialize the project.
Rolls-Royce said in a statement it was well-placed to play a
leading role in the "personal air mobility" market.
"The initial concept vehicle uses gas turbine technology to
generate electricity to power six electric propulsors specially
designed to have a low noise profile," the company said, adding
the design used its existing M250 gas turbine.
Rolls's design would not require re-charging because the battery
is charged by the gas turbine, it said, adding it could use
existing infrastructure such as heliports and airports.
(Reporting by Sarah Young; Editing by Mark Potter)
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