Airbus develops autonomous electric air taxis

The Airbus Group has recently announced its new research project – the development of a new autonomous flying vehicle platform as a solution for growing surface-transport gridlock in cities.

The new airbus concept is intended to be used for both cargo and passenger transport purposes and is set to begin real-world prototype testing next year.

The single-passenger vehicle – dubbed ‘Vahana’ – is being developed by A3, Airbus’s Silicon Valley outpost, whilst the CityAirbus concept is being developed simultaneously by Airbus Helicopters.

Both vehicles would use electrical propulsion and multiple ducted propellers, resembling a drone in their basic design.

The CityAirbus concept has already completed a feasibility study with a favourable conclusion.

Plans indicate that the plane will initially be operated by a pilot – similarly to a helicopter – to allow for quick entry into the market, before switching to fully autonomous operations once regulations are in place.

Jorg Muller, from Airbus Group’s corporate development department, said: “The market will develop quickly once we are able to deploy the first vehicles in megacities and demonstrate the benefits of quiet, emission-free air transport as competitive prices. The potential demand corresponds to about 100 times the yearly production of Airbus Helicopters, and that would only require replacing one out of a 100 ground taxis.”

Rodin Lyasoff, lead Airbus engineer, agrees on Airbus’s future potential: “In as little as 10 years, we could have products on the market that revolutionize urban travel for millions of people. Many of the technologies needed, such as batteries, motors and avionics are most of the way there.”

The company envisions a scenario where customers can book a seat on the AirBus through a smartphone app then simply proceed to the closest helipad.

It has been suggested that the Airbus Group would like to work alongside transport service provider Uber to extend its ride-hailing service to helicopters.

By encouraging sharing with other passengers, the flights would be made a lot more affordable – “nearly the equivalent of a normal taxi ride for each passenger, but faster,” according to Airbus Group magazine Forum.