autoevolution
 

Japanese Air Taxis Gearing Up for Commercial Operations in Vietnam

The UAM (Urban Air Mobility) sector is buzzing, and not just in the U.S. or in Europe. After seeing the various eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) models developed by numerous manufacturers all over the world, it’s now time to focus on actually taking them to the sky. It’s not a fun part and certainly not easy, due to the complicated web of legislation requirements, infrastructure challenges and financial costs. But air taxis are gearing up for it.
The SD-05 is a short-range air taxi in the course of certification in Japan 6 photos
Photo: SkyDrive
Japanese eVTOL SD-05Japanese eVTOL SD-05Japanese eVTOL SD-05Japanese eVTOL SD-05SkyDrive eVTOLs
As 2023 will mark the 50th anniversary of Vietnam and Japan's diplomatic relations, it seems like the perfect moment for the two to also launch pioneering eVTOL operations in Vietnam. SkyDrive, the Japanese eVTOL manufacturer, and the renewable energy company Pacific Group, with international funds in Vietnam, have agreed to take steps in that direction.

First of all, through the MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) agreed to pre-order 10 of the SkyDrive SD-05 aircraft, with an option for 90 more, adding up to a total of 100 flying vehicles.

Also, the two will research and evaluate all the aspects involved in air taxi operations. These include infrastructure requirements, route and mobility network planning and local regulations. To do so, they’ll also work closely with Vietnam authorities.

Tomohiro Fukuzawa, SkyDrive CEO, added that not just toxic emissions, but also traffic safety risks can be considered serious social issues that could benefit from the implementation of this new means of transportation and its dedicated infrastructure.

The SD-05 was recently unveiled by the Japanese manufacturer as a two-seater, mainly designed for air taxi operations. Following the previous SD-03, which made headlines as the world’s smallest eVTOL (only 13-foot/4-meter-long and 6.5 feet/2-meter-tall) the second version is, of course, bigger and more capable.

Fitted with 12 motor-propellers, the SD-05 boasts a 6-mile (10 km) range on a single charge, at 62 mph (100 kph) which makes it a short-range aircraft. Once certified (it’s currently in the process of that) it will become the first of its kind in Japan, according to SkyDrive.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
press release
About the author: Otilia Drăgan
Otilia Drăgan profile photo

Otilia believes that if it’s eco, green, or groundbreaking, people should know about it (especially if it's got wheels or wings). Working in online media for over five years, she's gained a deeper perspective on how people everywhere can inspire each other.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories