The developers of Passenger Drone began testing its own passenger aircraft which, according to them, will be able to compete with Ehang 184 and Volocopter. But while the latter promote their development in Dubai, Passenger Drone testing his own flying taxi in Europe.
The creators of the Drone Passenger posted a video that demonstrates the flight of their development. Fly it yourself until the machine is unsafe, therefore, for the first time in the cockpit put passenger drone pilot. He estimated the aerodynamic capabilities of the device and tested it main systems in flight. From the final version of the drone controls to clean up too, will not be, so he will be able to fly both independently and under the control of the pilot.
The cabin of the vehicle is very similar to helicopter, but, unlike them, flying taxi flying through sixteen motors, equipped with its own electric drive. This allows the drone to fly for about half an hour at a speed of about 50 kilometers per hour. The developers note that it would be possible to use more capacious batteries to increase the flight range, but now it may not be the best option, since it would increase not only the weight of the apparatus, but also its price.
While flying taxi is the initial phase of testing, therefore the first demonstration of his participation will be held early next year. Prices, as of the time when we can expect the start of serial production, the developers have not yet reported.
In Europe tested a flying taxi Passenger Drone
Vyacheslav Larionov