In Tokyo, the Japanese company SkyDrive successfully conducted tests of its "flying car," as reported by Kazinform citing Kyodo.
The flight demonstration took place in collaboration with Mitsubishi Estate and Kanematsu. This was the first such experience in the Japanese capital.
The remotely piloted drone was in the air for about three and a half minutes, covering a distance of approximately 150 meters over Tokyo Bay.
The electric model SD-05, equipped with twelve rotors, is designed to carry three passengers and can fly distances of 15 to 40 kilometers without recharging.
The developers emphasized that the compact size and light weight of the device allow it to land in areas where traditional helicopters and other aircraft cannot land due to space constraints.
Additionally, the company showcased a terminal for flight management and passenger services, which includes check-in, security screening, and automatic registration using facial recognition technology. Demonstration flights and terminal operations will continue until Saturday.
This mode of transport is expected to help reduce the burden on roadways and public transport. Previously, this aircraft was demonstrated at the World Expo in Osaka, and commercial launch of the service in some regions of Japan is planned for 2028.
SkyDrive's CEO, Tomohiro Fukuzawa, noted that after 2030, the cost of a flight could be about double the price of a taxi or even lower. He added that the high speed, four to five times that of a taxi, will save time, justifying the difference in fares.
