There are quite a few companies that are working on their own systems for “flying taxis,” or vertical take-off and landing. Uber envisages running a full service of flying taxis in the future and now Rolls-Royce is throwing its hat in the ring as well. The company already has ample experience of producing propulsion systems for aircraft and it has now drawn up plans for an electric vertical take-off and landing vehicle which would be able to carry up to five people.
“We are well placed to play a leading role in the emerging world of personal air mobility and will also look to work in collaboration with a range of partners,” said Rob Watson, head of the electrical team at Rolls-Royce.
The propulsion system for a flying taxi that Rolls-Royce has come up with would enable the vehicle to travel at speeds of up to 250 miles per hour for up to 500 miles. Its initial concept actually used gas turbine technology to generate electricity which would have powered six electric propulsors that have been designed with a low noise profile in mind.
Since the wings would be able to rotate 90 degrees, the flying taxi will be able to take off and land vertically from existing airports and helipads. Rolls-Royce is going to reveal more details about this concept at the Farnborough Airshow later this week.
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