The CycloTech CycloRotor eVTOL concept aircraft has been launched. The prototype is coming a decade and a half after CycloTech introduced the concept. The CycloTech CruiseUp features propulsion barrels at each corner and lengthways aft and fore of the cabin. The design and operation of the concept air car is similar to a helicopter’s rotor system.

CycloTech CycloRotor-powered eVTOL – Still a product for the future

The CruiseUp is a two-seat eVTOL air car that can accomplish cross-town air trips It is powered by the CycloRotor propulsion system. The spinning barrels surrounding the eVTOL have walls made of wing blades. The wing blades are designed to tilt while the barrels are spinning using conrods connected to the swashplate. The system generates thrust that peaks at certain points of the rotation.

The barrels of the CruiseUp can be maintained at a constant motor speed which then delivers thrust instantly. The complex design of the eVTOL enables it to operate in gravity and in a similar manner to marine operations. Indeed the Voith-Schneider propeller in marine applications is used to help the craft position expertly and stay in one spot if required. It is powered by six CycloRotors which offer power for upward, downward, and lateral movement.

The development of the CycloTech CruiseUp holds promise in opening new vistas in mobility. It is debatable whether the CycloRotor setup will be more efficient and powerful than electric propellers in the eVTOL. Weight and efficiency considerations are important in the turf of air hops, however short it may be. Lithium batteries are the best storage option currently but improvements could be close by.

The new CycloTech prototype air car is designed as a private air car rather than an air taxi. Its agility is one important feature going forward for the 80kg aircraft. It has a top speed of 150km/h and a range of 100km. The outlook for the development of the CruiseUp is pretty steep. CycloTech estimates that the car will become a production model by 2035. Hopefully, by then, the technology would have solved the storage conundrum and other problems facing the concept air car.

RELATED:

The post CycloTech CycloRotor-powered eVTOL concept aircraft unveiled appeared first on Gizmochina.

Earlier this week, South Korea began testing a new system that will be used in controlling urban air mobility vehicles (UAM). These tests will determine whether the new mode of transport will be used for travel between major airports.

According to a Reuters report, the new air taxis could potentially cut travel time between major airports by two thirds in the capital city of Seoul. Back in 2020, the country had announced a roadmap that detailed the timeline for the commercialization of urban air travel by 2025. The local transport ministry also expects the service could reduce travel times for distances between 30 to 50 kilometers from an hour on road to just 20 minutes by air.

Transport Minister Noh Hyeong-ouk stated during the control system demonstration that “As UAM is expected to become one of the common means of transportation that citizens use in daily life, it is absolutely imperative that we test and try out UAM services in various environments.” The test had a pilot fly a two seat model built by Germany’s Volocopter at Seoul’s Gimpo Airport to test the controls and coordination. The UAM in qusetion was a VTOL (vertical take off and landings) based and featured helicopter like rotors.

Notably, this craft can also be piloted and even operate autonomously. Although, the ministry official stated that a pilot must man the craft to ensure safety of the passenger onboard, which would also aid in general public’s acceptance of the new mode of travel. Currently, local designers have also shown off a model of their own drone aircraft, with a full sized prototype model expected to begin test flights by 2022.

RELATED:

• South Korea leads the globe in 5G download speeds, 10x faster than the US
• South Korea unveils $193 million five year project for 6G development
• South Korean internet service provider sues Netflix over ‘Squid Game’
• Hyundai Motor partners with Seoul city to commercialize air taxis

The post South Korea step closer towards commercializing Air Taxis, tests new control system appeared first on Gizmochina.

Japan Airlines is apparently seeking to diversify its operations and enter into the flying car business in the near future. The company aims to launch its own flying car service in the fiscal year 2025.

According to a NikkeiAsia report, Japan Airlines will start a passenger transportation service that connects commuters to airports and other tourist attractions in the Mie Prefecture and other regions as well. JAL aims to develop the business as a service similar to taxis, which will carry travelers to various locations across the country. Notably, the news arrives amid the automobile industry seeing an increasing focus and competition in the flying car business across the globe.

To launch this service, JAL would also be required to take meet the required safety regulations in Japan. The reports adds that the company will use the aircraft built by Volocopter, which is a German startup that it had invested in back in 2020. This vehicle is a two seater drone type aircraft called eVTOL (stands for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft), which offers a cruising range of 35 kilometers and can fly at up to 110 km per hour as well.

At the moment, JAL has signed a cooperation agreement with Mie Prefecture to begin trials for the commercialization of this service. The trials conducted include short distance flights of around 20 kilometers, after which, it will move towards mdeium to long distance travels that are between 50 to 150 kilometers. This service is set to begin commercial operations in the fiscal year 2025 and is expected to connect tourist destinations from the prefecture’s main airport in the beginning.

RELATED:

• TSMC rumored to build its Japanese chip plant with Sony and other partners
• Japan and Finland to join hands for the development of 6G network
• Japan wants TSMC and Sony to build 20-nanometre chip production plant

The post Japan Airlines seeks to enter flying car business by fiscal year 2025 appeared first on Gizmochina.

Vermont-based tech startup Beta Technologies has signed a deal with United Parcel Service (UPS) to produce 150 electric vertical takeoffs and landing aircraft. UPS will deploy the aircraft to cut delivery times and access small markets more efficiently. Beta will make the first deliveries of 10 evTOL aircraft in 2024.

The electric aircraft from Beta Technologies has a 400km range, with a top speed of 274kph (about 170 mph), and can carry a payload of about 635kg. The aircraft will provide UPS with greater efficiency in moving time-sensitive and other important deliveries for small markets. They would avoid airport protocols as the aircraft will take off and land on UPS facilities. The evTOL aircraft would ultimately incorporate autonomous technology, but the current deliveries will all be the piloted version.

UPS’s move to acquire electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft is bound to substantially improve its operational efficiency when the aircraft becomes operational in 2024. According to Kyle Clark, the founder, and CEO of Beta Technologies, it will bypass the use of airports and create a micro air feeder network without the noise or operating emissions of fixed-winged aircraft.

The evTOL aircraft manufacturer Beta Technologies has made solid progress in the development and deployment of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and will also provide its proprietary modular charging stations for rapid recharge of the aircraft. The charging stations can rapidly recharge the aircraft within one hour and provide charging support for UPS’s growing electric vehicle fleet. The charging stations make use of aircraft batteries which are no longer capable of use in flights.

Both UPS and Beta Technologies are optimistic about the potentials of the deal, which will open new business opportunities and enhance the efficiency of the logistics giant’s ground operations while also drastically reducing UPS’s carbon emission profile.

RELATED;

• Jeep unveils the Wrangler Magneto, an electric concept car with stick shift tranny
• Chinese search giant Baidu reportedly considers manufacturing electric vehicles
• Volvo announces plans to only manufacture electric vehicles by 2030

(source)

The post UPS seals deal with Beta Tech for 150 evTOL electric aircrafts for deliveries appeared first on Gizmochina.