This past fall, Uber announced that it was already developing flying cars, slated to launch in Los Angeles by 2020, with a real commercial service to follow a few years later.
As The Verge points out, the company revealed its latest flying car concept during its second annual Elevate conference in Los Angeles.
Similar to the rendering revealed last year, the forthcoming hybrid vehicle is simply a mashup of a plane and a helicopter. For its design, four stacked rotors enable the vehicle's lift, which will then stow away during landing. Additionally, a fifth rotor on the tail offers forward propulsion, and if one rotor malfunctions, the flying car will still be able to operate for a safe landing.
Uber also shared that the aircraft will be electrically powered, and will fly at an elevation of 1,000 to 2,000 feet. The company now eyes an aerial taxi service by 2023, and hopes to see its flying taxis will shuttle passengers between rooftop “skyports” and landing sites in cities. The aircraft will be piloted by humans initially, but eventually will fly autonomously.
Furthermore, Uber has already signed a Space Act Agreement with NASA in order to create a safe and new air traffic control system to manage these low-flying car hybrids.
For the full story, head on over to The Verge.
In related news, Uber will now take you to and from the doctor.
