Aston Martin is also getting into flying cars – the luxury type, of course.
It has presented the Volante Vision Concept with vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities.
Rolls-Royce (the engine and electrical side – not the car maker) is involved, as is Cranfield Aerospace Solutions – a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cranfield University which is also in the partnership.
The Volante Vision Concept can fit three adults and previews a flying autonomous hybrid-electric vehicle for urban and inter-city air travel.
It will take full advantage of the latest advances in aerospace, electrification and autonomous technologies, coupled with Aston Martin’s signature design, the company says.
“With the population in urban areas continuing to grow, congestion in towns and cities will become increasingly demanding,” Aston Martin president and chief executive officer Dr Andy Palmer says.
“We need to look at alternative solutions to reduce congestion, cut pollution and improve mobility. Air travel will be a crucial part in the future of transportation.”
Palmer says people spend, on average, one hour commuting to and from work, the distance usually determined by transportation methods available.
“The Volante Vision Concept will enable us to travel further with our hourly commute, meaning we are able to live further away from where we work. Cities will grow, and towns that are today too far away from cities to be commutable will become suburban.”
Rolls-Royce Electrical director Rob Watson says the company has already delivered hybrid-electric systems for other applications, including ships and trains.
The Volante Vision Concept follows the BlackFly electric single-seater VTOL announcement from Canadian company Opener and trials in New Zealand on Zephyr Airworks’ self-piloted “flying taxi” dubbed Cora, likely to be capable of carrying two or more passengers. Other companies are also working on personal aerial vehicles (PAVs).
