Japan's Kyushu Railway and SkyDrive to Promote Flying Car Technology

TapTechNews July 9th news, Japan's Kyushu Railway Company and aircraft manufacturer SkyDrive recently announced that the two sides have signed a cooperation agreement, aiming to study the feasibility of promoting the flying car technology in the Kyushu area. In the future, they strive to set up electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) takeoff and landing points at JR Kyushu's stations and commercial facilities to practically implement low-altitude flight technology to boost local development and the growth of tourism.

TapTechNews learned through inquiries that the size of SkyDrive's eponymous electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft is 13 feet x 13 feet x 9.8 feet, and the maximum takeoff weight of this aircraft is about 3086.5 pounds. It is equipped with 12 motor / propeller units. The maximum speed is 62.1 miles per hour, and the endurance is 9.3 miles, with three passenger seats.

Currently, SkyDrive has cooperated with Suzuki Motor Company and established a new subsidiary in a Suzuki factory in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, focusing on the production of related models. Currently, this electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft is undergoing aviation airworthiness certification. In order to cooperate with the Osaka World Expo activities in 2025, the company also plans to obtain type certification in 2026 and deliver series models to customers.