Airbus wants to test autonomous flying single-seat vehicle by the end of 2017
Airbus CEO Tom Enders expects that the Airbus Group will be able to test a prototype of an autonomously operating, flying vehicle for one person by the end of 2017. The aircraft is to take off and land vertically, and should be operational in 2021.
Enders made his statements during the Digital-Life-Design conference in Munich, Reuters writes. Airbus is developing the aircraft in an internal project under the name Project Vahana. A3, an Airbus subdivision in San Jose, is responsible for this project. The aim is to achieve a small, efficient, autonomous flying vehicle that will mainly be used in urban areas for short distances.
The aircraft would have eight propellers that, via a tilting wing, are suitable for take-off as well as for propulsion in the flight phase. Airbus says it will also use an electric motor for the design to keep air pollution under control. The aircraft would have an emergency parachute and be able to automatically avoid obstacles and other aircraft.
Airbus is also working on a project for a flying car. This project is called ‘CityAirbus’. This aircraft would also have an, partly or not, electric drive and tilting propellers, but in contrast to the Project Vahana aircraft, it would be able to transport more people. The idea is that this ‘flying taxi’ can be ordered via your smartphone for a short flight in urban areas. Initially, a pilot would still fly the aircraft, but as soon as the relevant laws and regulations allow it, it will also be possible to fly completely autonomously.
The aircraft manufacturer is also working on a project to transport goods with a drone. With this project called ‘Skyways’, Airbus aims to demonstrate an autonomous drone capable of transporting parcels at the National University of Singapore in mid-2017.
According to CEO Enders, Airbus, as the largest commercial helicopter manufacturer in the world, wants to invest in new technology, such as autonomous driving and artificial intelligence, and use these techniques in the development of flying vehicles.