Test flights of a driverless aircushion taxi will happen in Singapore next yr, a German aerospace company says, in the most recent innovation to flee giant traffic jams in Asia.
Millions of commuters within the region’s cities face chronic traffic jams on daily basis, prompting a race to search out latest ways to avoid traffic jams.
Although the developed city-state of Singapore doesn’t suffer from major traffic congestion, it’s seen as a superb testing ground for brand new technologies as a result of its small size and openness to innovation.
German company Volocopter said on Tuesday that it would conduct test flights in Singapore within the second half of next yr with government support.
Volocopter’s helicopter-like electric air taxis take off and land vertically. They are based on drone technology and may transport two people over a distance of about 30 km, the corporate said in a press release.
The tests in Singapore follow a public demonstration in Dubai last yr.
“The Volocopter has been designed specifically for city center missions,” Volocopter said in a press release, adding that it might withstand minor turbulence around skyscrapers, allowing for smooth travel. “It’s so quiet that at 100 meters you possibly can’t hear it over typical city noise.”
An organization spokeswoman said the Volocopter will be controlled by a pilot using a joystick or remotely from the bottom.
In addition to the test flights, Volocopter may also establish a product design and engineering center in Singapore to support its expansion plans.
Volocopter said they’re preparing to launch their first fixed routes in cities. The hover taxis will complement helicopter services already taking off in some cities to beat traffic jams.
