Airbus developing flying automobile

The French airplane manufacturer Airbus is developing something entirely new – a flying automobile.

The project was initiated in mid-2016, and the car is to be called Vahana. As the company reported, this is a self-piloted flying vehicle platform for individual passenger and cargo transport, and it is being developed by Airbus’ Silicon Valley department.

Rodin Lyasoff, CEO of the department, says that the prototype test flights are slated for late 2017.

– Many of the technologies needed, such as batteries, motors and avionics are most of the way there – Lyasoff says and adds that the biggest challenge is to develop special sense-and-avoid technology, enabling the vehicle to predict and avoid potential collisions.

Airbus

flying automobile

Vahana

self piloting vehicle

Rodin Lyasoff