In 2022, SkyDrive, a company specializing in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) machines, partnered with Suzuki to develop flying cars for the Japanese market. The goal was to have the first vehicles operational by 2025. Now, the two companies have officially signed an agreement to manufacture these flying cars, with production set to begin in spring 2024. The new version of the SkyDrive vehicle will have a three-person capacity, accommodating a pilot and two passengers, unlike the previous version which could only accommodate a pilot and a single passenger. The dimensions of the car will increase slightly to 43 feet long, 43 feet wide, and 10 feet high, including rotors.
In terms of specifications, the maximum takeoff weight has increased from 2,400 pounds to 3,100 pounds, while the maximum cruise speed is approximately 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour) or 54 knots. The operational flight range has also increased to approximately 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) compared to the previous range of 5 to 10 kilometers (3 to 6.2 miles). The powertrain of SkyDrive’s eVTOL is battery electric, and the vehicle will be constructed using a combination of composites and aluminum alloys. Production will take place at a Suzuki facility in Shizuoka, Japan.
SkyDrive’s Airworthiness Certification Plans
SkyDrive aims to obtain airworthiness certification for its eVTOL by 2025. The company plans to showcase its flying car at the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka after receiving the certification. Following that, SkyDrive will seek type approval certification to begin mass production for the Japanese market in 2026. In addition to the Japanese market, SkyDrive also has plans to enter the US market and obtain certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration. The company intends to establish a base in South Carolina for its US operations due to the state’s significant presence in the commercial and military aviation industries.
The journey towards achieving these goals may not be direct, but SkyDrive remains committed to making progress in the field of eVTOL technology. The company will continue to provide updates on its developments and advancements in the coming years.