Wellington: Google guru Page tests flying taxis in New Zealand
Google co-founder Larry Page
New
Zealand regulators late Tuesday approved plans for Zephyr Airworks, a
subsidiary of Page's company Kitty Hawk, to develop and test the
futuristic air taxis.
Known
as Cora, the electric aircraft has a dozen small lift rotors on its
wings, making it capable of vertical take-off and landing like a
helicopter.
But
developers say it is much quieter, meaning it could transport
passengers in urban areas using rooftops and car parks as landing pads.
"We
are offering a pollution free, emission-free vehicle that flies
dependably, we think this is the logical next step in the evolution of
transportation," Zephyr chief executive Fred Reid said.
The
Cora prototype being tested in New Zealand's South Island uses three
onboard computers to calculate its flight path and is capable of
carrying two passengers.
The computers operate independently as a safety measure and the aircraft can deploy a parachute if anything goes wrong.
The
aircraft, previously known as Zee.Aero, has a range of 100 kilometres,
reaching speeds of 150 kmh and an altitude of up to 900 metres.
The Cora project envisages the air taxis becoming so common that "air travel will be woven into our daily lives".
Like science fiction
Zephyr said using them would be a simple experience for passengers.
"You
wouldn't have to know anything about flying a plane. Cora could fly for
you," it said in a promotional video. "And it would be all-electric,
helping to build a sustainable world."
Page's
company is also developing a prototype personal aircraft called the
Kitty Hawk Flyer and unveiled an early model in the United States last
year.
However,
it looked more like a recreational plaything than a flying
car, suitable only for flying above water and seating the pilot in an
open top cabin exposed to the elements.
Cora
appears far more robust, with a design more like a traditional aircraft
featuring wings, a tail and a closed canopy for passengers.
The aircraft will not be offered for sale, instead, the public must book trips like they would with an airline or taxi service.
Zephyr
said Cora took eight years to design but then developers needed a
suitable environment to safely test the new technology.
They
settled on New Zealand because of its uncongested airspace and rigorous
regulatory environment, with Reid saying local officials had embraced
the idea.
"We
had no idea what to expect," he said. "They could have laughed us out
of the room. We were pitching something that sounded like science
fiction."
Cora has been given an experimental airworthiness certificate from the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority.
Trialling the flying taxi service will reportedly take six years, with operations based around the city of Christchurch.
"This
aircraft represents the evolution of the transport ecosystem to one
that responds to a global challenge around traffic and congestion, and
is kinder to the planet," Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel said.
AFP
No comments: