The E^3 Project Vahana team is currently working on a prototype of Airbus’ first ‘piloted flying vehicle platform for individual passenger and cargo transport’, as it is described by the company. And if Airbus CEO Tom Enders’ timescale goes to plan, the prototype will take to the skies by the end of the year.
The project has been underway since February 2016, but this is the first time such a specific timeframe has been applied. This end-of-year target for the working prototype also suggests that the car could make an appearance at next year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
“Many of the technologies needed, such as batteries, motors and avionics are most of the way there,” said Rodin Lyasoff, CEO of Airbus’s A^3 branch. This suggests that not only will Airbus’s prototype fly, it’ll be electrically powered as well.
Lyasoff is aiming for the final ‘car’ to join the numerous mobility schemes planned by car manufacturers across the industry. “The system could operate similarly to car-sharing applications, with the use of smartphones to book a vehicle,” he added.
The largest barrier to entry, says Vahana, is the lack of AEB-type ‘sense and avoid’ technology for airborne vehicles. “That’s one of the bigger challenges we aim to resolve as early as possible.”