Israeli startup Eviation Aircraft has already shown a working prototype of its small electric aircraft at the Paris International Airshow this summer. Then the representatives of the company announced his position to make in the near future the aviation analogue of Uber and other similar services. The aim is to reduce the cost of flying for short distances (up to thousands of kilometers). Recently the developers announced that they are going to implement the idea already in the next year and a half.
The cabin is designed for nine passengers and two crew members. Equipped air taxi batteries and smart power distribution system from Phinergy Ltd, which allows the aircraft to self-regulate energy consumption by switching between different on-Board systems and effectively distribute electricity.
By the end of 2018, the aircraft are going to test, then will begin to prepare for mass production.
Aircraft weight is about six tons, a wingspan of 13 meters, the length of the vessel is 12 meters. At such dimensions, it is able to fly at speeds of up to 450 kilometers per hour at altitudes up to three kilometers. To use for takeoff and landing it is assumed a small airport, which is now experiencing not the best times.
CEO Omer Bar-Yochai really just describes the philosophy of the company: Tesla manufacturability and quality of the services of Uber — combining advanced technology and modern service Eviation Aircraft by the end of 2019 plan to create a network of air taxi with great coverage, affordable prices and a smartphone application for ordering tickets.
Israeli startup Eviation launch air taxi operations in 2019
Vyacheslav Larionov