Self-driving flying taxi at 130 km/h

FlyNow Aviation's eCopter promises to provide a cheaper and simpler option for passengers to get around the city.

eCopter uses a self-piloting system based on a pre-programmed flight model. Photo: FlyNow Aviation — eCopter uses a self-piloting system based on a pre-programmed flight model. Photo: *FlyNow Aviation*

Several companies are currently developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) flying taxis, most of which look like larger versions of quadcopters. However, the eCopter has a different design that makes it more practical, New Atlas reported on February 10.

Developed by Austrian startup FlyNow Aviation, the autonomous eCopter has a coaxial electric drivetrain that incorporates two counter-rotating rotors. This arrangement allows the vehicle to be classified as an electric helicopter by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. According to FlyNow, because the eCopter falls within the current classification, the licensing process will be much quicker and simpler than for multi-rotor drone-like flying taxis.

Additionally, the coaxial drivetrain has fewer moving parts and less hardware overall, reducing weight, material costs, and complexity. As a result, compared to most other air taxis, the eCopter is cheaper to build, sell, and operate, while also having better battery range.

FlyNow plans to offer one- and two-passenger versions, along with a cargo version. All three are based on a basic chassis, meaning each vehicle doesn’t need to be designed or built from scratch, keeping costs down. Ultimately, FlyNow hopes that eCopter taxi fares won’t be much different from what people pay for a ground taxi.

While FlyNow doesn’t yet have a flying prototype, the company has successfully conducted ground testing with a fully equipped, full-size proof-of-concept model. The company estimates that all three versions of the eCopter will have a range of up to 50 kilometers, a cruising speed of 130 kilometers per hour, and a maximum payload of 200 kilograms.

Commercial production of the eCopter is expected to begin in 2026, according to FlyNow CEO Jürgen Greil. The cargo version will be produced first, as it is easier to get approval for, followed by two passenger versions.

An Khang (According to New Atlas )

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