Boeing Successfully Tests Prototype of Its Flying Car
The Aerospace giant successfully tests a passenger drone prototype
Boeing on Tuesday, in Manassas, Virginia, successfully completed an initial test of its unmanned flying car prototype. The Aerospace giant hopes to have these autonomous vehicles available to consumers sometime in the near future.
“In one year, we have progressed from a conceptual design to a flying prototype,” said Boeing Chief Technology Officer Greg Hyslop. “Boeing’s expertise and innovation have been critical in developing aviation as the world’s safest and most efficient form of transportation, and we will continue to lead with a safe, innovative and responsible approach to new mobility solutions.” According to a statement by the company.
The Chicago-based plane producer along with Airbus are two of many companies racing to take potential market sure in the lying cars and parcel-hauling drones space. One that expert to be the next growth engine in the aerospace industry.
Boeing gained an edge in with the 2017 acquisition of Aurora Flight Sciences, whose ambitions include the production of a new flying taxi, a project created out of a collaboration with ride-sharing giant Uber Technologies Inc.
Boeing's 30-foot long, 28-foot wide flying car prototype is built to fly autonomously. The vehicle has a range of up to 50 miles and is powered by an electric propulsion system.
"This is what revolution looks like, and it's because of autonomy," Aurora Flight Sciences President and CEO John Langford said in a statement. "Certifiable autonomy is going to make quiet, clean, and safe urban air mobility possible."
Boeing NeXt’s portfolio also includes a fully electric cargo air vehicle -- designed to transport as much as 500 pounds -- which completed its first indoor flight last year and is slated for outdoor testing this year.