Flying car: Flying cars, once seen in science fiction films, are now becoming a reality. eVTOLs, or electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, being developed to alleviate urban congestion, are rapidly gaining traction.
Add informalnewz.com as a Preferred Source
In this race, American aviation startup Pivotal has introduced a single-seat, ultra-lightweight, futuristic flying vehicle. This flying car doesn’t require a pilot’s license. It costs around ₹16 million (approximately $16 million). Bookings have already begun. This flying car is so light that it weighs less than many premium motorcycles. Without safety equipment, it weighs just 115 kilograms. Due to this light weight, it falls under the US Federal Aviation Administration’s ultra-light category. This regulation is enabling the company to rapidly design, test, and develop its aircraft.
Conventional aircraft require a runway to take off, while eVTOL aircraft lift off vertically from their landing position, like a helicopter. This Pivotal aircraft is equipped with eight electric propellers. The company claims that even if one of the propellers fails, the aircraft can still fly safely. It features a simple cockpit for flying, with the pilot operating it using a single joystick and thumb controls.
Takeoff and landing are handled by Pivotal’s software. Sensors monitor wind speed, pressure, and location. According to the company, every buyer must participate in a two-week training program before flying, which includes simulator sessions. It lacks a lighting system, a communication radio, and the additional safety features typically found in certified aircraft.
These aircraft are not permitted to fly over crowded areas, meaning flying over cities and towns is virtually prohibited. But at a price of around Rs 1.6 crore, it definitely shows a new thinking in aviation as a personal flying machine.
