Traffic congestion is one of the major problems of megacities around the world. To resolve this, urban planners are moving towards advanced air mobility. The air mobility solution is primarily focused on flying electric cars also known as levitating cars. In recent years, a number of successful attempts have been made to pave way for the flying cars of the future.
Let’s discuss the historical attempts, recent development and the future of flying cars in more detail.
History of Flying Cars
The attempts to manufacture a flying car were initiated soon after the idea of an aeroplane rolled out. The first attempt of this series was made by attaching three wings to an aluminium car frame. Four-bladed propellers were installed at the rear and front ends. The lack of engine capacity made the car hop, but it failed to fly properly.
The second attempt was made on the three-wheeler vehicle. A propeller was attached at the rear end and two wings over the vehicle. The car was considered unsafe for the road, but it became an inspiration for air sports vehicles.
Airphibina was a hybrid of aeroplane and a car. The aeroplane was able to convert itself into a car by shedding wings and tail in just 5 minutes. Powered by a six-cylinder engine, it was the first vehicle to be certified as a flying car. Similar attempts were made during the WW and later. But, safety concerns were the major reasons that restricted the successful launch of levitating vehicles.
Recent Development on Flying Cars
There are almost 80 patents filed related to the flying car, some of which even make successful attempts. However, the focus on smart mobility solutions, pauses the flying cars attempt for some time. Recently, the President of Hyundai Michael Cole has announced the unveiling of flying cars by the end of this decade. The South-Korean automobile brand was working on a flying taxi named Supernal. Its exterior will be similar to a helicopter and it will be powered by electric energy.
The leading Japanese auto manufacturer, Toyota, is also working on actual flying cars. The company claims that its vehicle will be equipped with advanced safety features. Moreover, it will be equipped with similar technology used in self-driving cars. A number of other leading auto manufacturers like Aston Martin and McLaren are also rumoured to be working on similar projects.
Future of Flying Cars
Despite these claims and developments, a bright future of flying cars requires a lot of effort. To see flying cars in Dubai and other Emirates there is a list of concerns that the automotive industry must cater to. Below, we have discussed a few of the major concerns that hindered levitating cars’ future.
- Professional Training: The autonomous and manually operated levitating cars will require special training for the drivers. Similar to car driving schools, levitating vehicles driving schools will be required.
- Environmental Concerns: Air vehicles should be eco-friendly and aid in reducing carbon footprint.
- Infrastructure: The present traffic control system will need to be expanded. Along with this, new air routes will be required.
This was all about the future of flying cars in the UAE. It seems that it will take a few years to purchase your own flying vehicle. For the time, you can browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE and avail the features of present cars.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on flying cars.
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