Personal eVTOL You Can Park In Garage

 Israeli Startup AIR's "Flying Car"

                                             Source:  AIR

Working With FAA For US Take-off

Israeli startup AIR has revealed a 2 seat, electric "flying car" eVTOL designed for personal travel and recreation. The revolutionary new flying machine is called Air One. With collapsible wings and retractable landing gear, it can fit in a garage, so there's no need to rent hanger space. AIR hopes to start selling the personal, electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle (eVTOL) directly into the individual consumer market, primarily in the US, by 2024.  The company has smartly jumpstarted the process by working directly with the FAA for two years on licensing and regulations to ensure that it is safe and legal.  AIR says that it expects to be cleared for takeoff by the FAA by the end of 2023.

Cutting Edge Aviation Software

With a maximum speed of 150 mph and a flying range of 110 miles, the Air One is equipped with a "fly by intent" software control system that automates complex operations like navigation and makes flying accessible and easy. The company says people can fly it without being a fully trained pilot, although it is expected that some type of certification will be required. The eVTOL weighs 2,138 pounds.  The cruising speed is 100 mph and the maximum payload is 441 pounds.  It takes one hour to charge the aircraft. Maximum flight time is one hour.  

Personal Flying Machine to Be Used like a Car

AIR emphasizes this is a personal flying machine for personal flying enjoyment.  It is not designed to primarily be an air taxi. The company expects that buyers will use Air One like they use their car. The personal aircraft can take off from and land on any flat surface. The patented design is stylish, classy and glassy with big views. There's even a glass bottom which provides visibility to see what you're flying over.  There is an AI enabled monitoring system that frequently performs checks to ensure the vehicle is performing well and safe to fly. That eliminates the need for the riders to perform safety checklists. It's propelled by eight rotors on two sets of pods.  The rotors are positioned at the front and rear of the aircraft which operates with 771 horsepower. AIR has not disclosed the price of Air One but the company does say "it's about the same as a high end road car".

Hot Investment Sector

An increasing number of investors, aviation and automotive companies are delving into the very hot sector of urban air mobility. A number of eVTOL companies are going public or exploring going public.  AIR has raised $10 million in seed funding and has been using the money to test its vehicles for final clearance by the FAA. They are currently raising additional funds.  AIR is also taking orders for Air One with a $1,000 down-payment.