Rolls-Royce to enter ‘flying taxi’ market by 2020

Rolls-Royce has developed a prototype electric vertical take-off and landing system (EVTOL) that could see ‘flying taxis’ enter the market by 2020.

Sky News say the Derby manufacturing giant will unveil the new technology at this week’s Farnborough Air Show, and is looking for partners to take it to the next development stage.

The vehicles will be able to carry four or five passengers at speeds of up to 250mph over distances of 500 miles.

Describing the new tech as a “revolution”, Rob Watson, head of Rolls Royce’s electrical team, told Sky News: “”Building on our existing expertise in electric technologies and aviation, Rolls-Royce is actively exploring a range of possible markets and applications for electric and hybrid electric flight.”

Last month, we revealed that well-known Derby manufacturing boss Graham Mulholland had joined VRCO, which is based on Infinity Park in the city. The firm is in the process of building a NeoXcraft “flying car” as a new form of aircraft. The vertical take-off and landing craft will be capable of carrying 180 kgs or two people. It features detection and avoidance technology with safety measures including a ballistic parachute and low altitude crash prevention systems.

The project began in August 2016 and has now moved from design and concept into the build phase.

Full-size build should be completed later this year with operational testing in 2019 and certification in 2020.