Flying taxi from Hoversurf

The idea of using aircraft as urban transport is up in the air. The introduction of three dimensional flying machines into the traffic of megacities is only being held back because of security issues. The...

The idea of using aircraft as urban transport is up in the air. The introduction of three dimensional flying machines into the traffic of megacities is only being held back because of security issues.

The Russian company Hoversurf is already developing a 5-seater aircraft designed specifically for use in urban conditions. The Formula project is aimed at creating a compact flying car combining the possibility of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) and the properties of a fixed wing aircraft.

Formula will be equipped with small electric propulsion turbines which will be built right into the body of the device. The main load is distributed between 48 turbines which will provide vertical take-off and landing and 4 more turbines located in the rear will be responsible for horizontal acceleration. Turbines will have a low-noise level - 84 dB.

The device is equipped with two folding wings which will allow it to occupy no more space than a conventional car. Fixed wings will provide a fast and economical horizontal flight, as well as the ability to react in an emergency situation. It has three flight modes: helicopter, high-speed, and hybrid.

The concept car will be equipped with three security systems. In addition to fixed wings, it is equipped with an excessive number of turbines: the developers assure that even if half of them fail it will still be safe to land. In case of the most extreme situations it has a parachute system.

The project will use the most advanced technologies including 3D printing with metal and carbon fiber and the use of the newest rechargeable batteries.

While the creators of the flying concept car which is available in the system provided do not assume ground movement, it is possible that engineers will add such a function for smoother integration into the modern urban environment.

The Formula project already has competition from Volocopter, Airbus, and Lilium. Hoversurf has a good chance to become a leading player in the new industry of passenger aircraft: their previous project of a single-seat flying motorcycle with the same name Hoversurf is already being tested by the Dubai police.