A
full-size model (shown) and miniature design prototype showed off to
CBS News show how the electric flying taxis could fit up to four riders
per vehicle, with plans to begin with piloted flights and ultimately
become fully autonomous
Uber is stepping up its bid to create one of the first urban flying
taxi networks as it unveiled its Uber Air design models for the first
time at the Elevate Summit in Los Angeles today, Dailymail has reported.
The company has released photos of the vertical take-off and
landing (VTOL) craft that could be ferrying passengers above congested
cities in just two years shows class.
A full-size model and miniature design prototype showed off to CBS
News show how the electric flying taxis could fit up to four riders per
vehicle, at first for piloted flights before ultimately becoming fully
autonomous.
Uber plans to launch the air-taxi service in 2020, with its
self-flying craft to follow in the next five to 10 years. During the
summit, Uber execs also revealed the firm has plans to take on nearly 10
times the number of daily flights than the FAA for a single city – and,
it could cost riders less than $2 per mile.
The models in LA offer a glimpse at the helicopter-like craft that
will lift off using a series of rotors. But, the electric vehicles will
be far quieter than a helicopter.
The plan will rely on a network of ‘Skyports,’ which will allow the
VTOL Uber Air craft to take off and land on rooftops across the
country.
At launch, according to Head of Aviation Programs Eric Allison, a trip with the system will cost about $5.73 per passenger mile.
As ridership increases, the firm plans to make it more affordable,
with an ultimate goal of achieving costs of about $1.84 per mile.
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