University and Uber take to the skies with flying taxis plans
Coventry University is working with Uber Elevate as a ‘collaborative partner’ in the development of electrical vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOL), better known as flying taxis.
These vehicles will transport up to four people on ridesharing flights in big cities around the world.
eVTOL will run on battery technology and electric propulsion using stacked propellers and will be made of lightweight composite materials.
Uber claims that they will be quieter, safer, more affordable and better for the environment than any conventional aircraft or helicopter.
But potential hazards with eVTOL have been identified by the staff of Coventry University’s Institute for Future Transport and Cities (FTC).
They include the risk of motor or structural failure, fire risks and battery problems.
Coventry University presented its findings at the 2018 Uber Elevate Summit in collaboration with Georgia Tech University, and presented a case that was ‘positive’ in its overall conclusions.
Dr Mike Bromfield, a flight safety researcher at Coventry University, said: “Our daily commute is going to transform and we may be given the ultimate commuting choice to drive, ride or fly. These vehicles are not just the subject of science fiction films – they could be flying above our cities in the next decade. But there are many hurdles to overcome before that point.”
Bromfield added: “Safety is paramount and we have to thoroughly understand the functional hazards that could result in a failure of one of these vehicles. We must reassure both commuters and the aviation authorities that these are safe before we move commuting in our major cities to the skies.”
Coventry University’s research will be shared with other organisations all of whom are working to develop more cohesive technology across the industry to create a virtual test bed for rideshare technologies
If trials are successful the eVTOL could be ready for demo flights by 2020.
