Volocopter has unveiled the concept of a new passenger unmanned electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft called VoloConnect.
Unlike previous prototypes, it will be built according to the aircraft scheme and will have push engines for horizontal flight.
The device is designed to transport four people at a distance of up to 100 kilometers.
In the early 2010s, the concept of electric aerotaxi with vertical takeoff and landing was formed in aviation.
As part of it, many companies are developing small aircraft with a capacity of up to several people that can take off and land in a city, like on the roof of a skyscraper.
The new VoloConnect model is built on the latest design, with six propellers for takeoff and landing, and two push motors at the rear, used for fast and efficient level flight.
VoloConnect has a longitudinal biplane design with two wings connected at the ends by beams. These beams have three lifting wings each.
The air taxi is designed for flights between suburbs and large cities.
It will have four seats for passengers, and the maximum flight range using existing battery technology will be 100 kilometers.
The cruising speed is 180 kilometers per hour, and the maximum speed is 250 kilometers per hour.
Like previous Volocopter air taxis, the new aircraft will be completely autonomous and does not require a separate pilot.
So far, the new device exists only on renderings, as well as in the form of reduced prototypes.
The company is expected to complete the development and testing of the new device, as well as pass its certification within five years.
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