Photo: SkyDrive
SkyDrive is perhaps the best-known Japanese eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) manufacturer, and it now has the power to expand even further. This is mostly due to a recent financial boost that will help accelerate the certification process for its flagship air taxi.
The Small and Medium Enterprise Innovation Promotion Project (SBIR) is how the Japanese government is supporting the transition towards AAM (Advanced Air Mobility). The dense urban centers and specific geographic challenges make Japan particularly suitable for air transportation vehicles that can reach remote areas and travel without emissions.
During Phase 3 of this program, SkyDrive became one of the startups that received an innovation grant from the government. It will translate to a financial boost of more than 12 billion yen (approximately $82.6 million), enough to accelerate SkyDrive's research-and-development process.
SkyDrive is on its way to obtaining Type Certification for commercial operations, although that's expected to happen over the next five years. In the meantime, the AAM startup solidified its collaboration with mobility giant Suzuki.
Earlier this year, the two signed an agreement for the manufacturing of flying cars. With this agreement, SkyDrive is set to establish a 100% owned subsidiary that will manufacture air taxis at a Suzuki-owned plant. The facility is located in the Shizuoka Prefecture. SkyDrive announced it will kick off manufacturing at this facility as early as next spring, while Suzuki will also provide support in other areas, including human resources.
The future air taxi made in Japan is presented as a multi-copter-type eVTOL that can seat two passengers plus the pilot. A lightweight alternative for daily commuting, the aircraft will boast a maximum takeoff weight of less than 1.5 tons. Performance-wise, the SD-05 promises a 30-minute autonomy and a top speed of 100 kph (60 mph). It was specifically designed as a compact, lightweight, and noise-free alternative to heavier air taxis on the market.
The SD-05 prototype was officially presented at this year's Paris Air Show and gained international acclaim thanks to a prestigious award – the International Forum (iF) Design Award for "the most accessible flying car." This final prototype is an evolution of the SD-03, which made its public debut at CES 2022 in Las Vegas.
The SD-03 made headlines globally as the world's smallest eVTOL. At 4 x 4 x 2 meters (13 x 13 x 6.5 feet), it combined a maximum takeoff weight of just 400 kg (880 lb) with a 50 kph (50 mph) maximum speed. As for the flying time, it was limited to just ten minutes on a single charge.
The future SkyDrive air taxi boasts a rotor frame technology (patent pending) that will apparently enable it to do away with conventional infrastructure and land on rooftops for maximum convenience.
During Phase 3 of this program, SkyDrive became one of the startups that received an innovation grant from the government. It will translate to a financial boost of more than 12 billion yen (approximately $82.6 million), enough to accelerate SkyDrive's research-and-development process.
SkyDrive is on its way to obtaining Type Certification for commercial operations, although that's expected to happen over the next five years. In the meantime, the AAM startup solidified its collaboration with mobility giant Suzuki.
Earlier this year, the two signed an agreement for the manufacturing of flying cars. With this agreement, SkyDrive is set to establish a 100% owned subsidiary that will manufacture air taxis at a Suzuki-owned plant. The facility is located in the Shizuoka Prefecture. SkyDrive announced it will kick off manufacturing at this facility as early as next spring, while Suzuki will also provide support in other areas, including human resources.
The future air taxi made in Japan is presented as a multi-copter-type eVTOL that can seat two passengers plus the pilot. A lightweight alternative for daily commuting, the aircraft will boast a maximum takeoff weight of less than 1.5 tons. Performance-wise, the SD-05 promises a 30-minute autonomy and a top speed of 100 kph (60 mph). It was specifically designed as a compact, lightweight, and noise-free alternative to heavier air taxis on the market.
The SD-05 prototype was officially presented at this year's Paris Air Show and gained international acclaim thanks to a prestigious award – the International Forum (iF) Design Award for "the most accessible flying car." This final prototype is an evolution of the SD-03, which made its public debut at CES 2022 in Las Vegas.
The SD-03 made headlines globally as the world's smallest eVTOL. At 4 x 4 x 2 meters (13 x 13 x 6.5 feet), it combined a maximum takeoff weight of just 400 kg (880 lb) with a 50 kph (50 mph) maximum speed. As for the flying time, it was limited to just ten minutes on a single charge.
The future SkyDrive air taxi boasts a rotor frame technology (patent pending) that will apparently enable it to do away with conventional infrastructure and land on rooftops for maximum convenience.
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