Today, technology giants are targeting the sky beyond the automobile. Along with the evolution of fuel types, vehicle concepts have also undergone a major transformation over the years. Now we are ready to travel not only on land but also in the sky. Here are flying car technologies.
From the Netherlands’ Pal-V Liberty to the UK’s Airspeeder Mk3 and Volar, and the US’s HEXA and Midnight models, work on flying vehicles is accelerating worldwide.
US aims to lead in flying vehicle technology
Airbus and Boeing, which are at the top of the aviation industry, continue their claims in this new era. While Boeing is developing its next-generation vehicle, which it plans to offer autonomous flying taxi service in Asia in 2030, in collaboration with Wisk, Airbus’ CityAirbus flying car model is also preparing for the testing stages.
Türkiye is not behind in this global race
Turkey’s first flying car Cezeri, developed by Baykar and equipped with national technology, was introduced at TEKNOFEST Istanbul 2019. Cezeri, which will bring a new breath to both passenger and cargo transportation, has successfully passed its first flight tests and continues its development process. In addition, AirCar, which was developed in Bilişim Vadisi and whose manned test studies are continued by the company that bears its name, aims to make its first official flight next year.
These exciting developments are shaping the future of transportation and pushing the boundaries of technological advancement around the world. Flying cars could soon become a part of our daily lives. Only time will tell how this major step into the future of transportation will transform both the technology world and society at large.
Titles in the Article
What is the Cezeri Flying Car?
Cezeri Flying Car is basically an electric “Urban Air Transport” (UAV) vehicle concept that will be an alternative to cars in urban transportation. Urban Air Transport is a reliable and effective passenger and cargo transportation ecosystem covering city centers and suburbs. In addition, Cezeri Flying Car, which can be used for logistic support in the health sector and military fields, stands out with its artificial intelligence systems.
Technical Capabilities
- Artificial intelligence computer-aided flight system
- Passenger and cargo cabins suitable for urban air transportation
- Fixed pitch propellers
- Lithium-ion battery pack
- Triple redundant fully autonomous flight control system
- Electric driven propellers; 2 counter-rotating propellers on each engine arm
- Carbon fiber structural; lightweight and durable cabin and engine arm constructions
Technical Specifications
- Motor type: 8x BLDC
- Dimensions (width X length X height): 3730 x 4070 x 1870 mm
- Take-off / landing: Vertical take-off-landing
- Maximum flight altitude: 2000 m
- Air residence time: ~ 1 hour
- Cruising speed: 100 km/h
- Range: 70-80 km
- Time required to fully charge the batteries: 1 hour
- Maximum Take-Off Weight: 241 kg
Other Features
- The vehicle is powered by rechargeable batteries and operates on 100% electricity.
- The vehicle is designed to be flown with minimum technical and aviation knowledge.
- The vehicle is controlled via the joystick, altitude control lever, touch screen, two physical buttons (Emergency Landing, Stop) and two switches (Engine Battery Switch, Avionic System Switch).
- Cezeri Flying Car is a single-seat rotary wing aircraft with an overhead propeller, consisting of 8 BLDC motors and a propeller pair.
What Can It Do?
- It can be used for supply purposes in high-risk war zones.
- It can provide a faster and more efficient cargo transportation service.
- Air pollution from transportation can be reduced.
- The time spent in traffic can be minimized.
- Traffic congestion in urban transportation can be reduced.
- Traffic accidents can be reduced.
- It can respond quickly to the urgent needs of health institutions (blood, organ transportation, etc.).
What is AirCar?
Turkey’s domestic flying car AirCar was designed as an electric and 100% autonomous vehicle. It aims to reduce time lost in urban transportation and reduce carbon emissions. The domestic flying car AirCar, supported by Softtech’s software systems, is aimed to fly in the skies of Istanbul in 2025.
Featured Features
- Engine: 2 electric motors
- Propeller: 8 propellers
- Capacity: 2 passengers
- Range: 50 kilometers with 2 passengers, 80 kilometers with a single passenger
- Empty weight: 250 kilograms
- Maximum speed: 170 kilometers per hour
- Maximum flight time: 90 minutes