Post by shorty on Oct 18, 2018 15:04:31 GMT 12
I was watching an article about this on the TV News the other night-
Air New Zealand and Zephyr Airworks have signed an agreement to bring the world's first autonomous electric air taxi service to New Zealand.
The agreement between the national carrier and autonomous air taxi operator Cora signals the intention to form a long-term relationship to make autonomous, electric air travel a reality for all New Zealanders.
The air taxis produce no emissions and are self-piloted through software, so those using them as transport do not need a pilot's licence. No runway is required, either, because they take off like a helicopter. The current model has a range of about 100 kilometres and can travel at about 150kmh.
Air New Zealand chief executive Christopher Luxon said the airline was committed to embracing new technologies that made life easier, as well as understanding the potential of cleaner energy solutions for travel.
"Zephyr Airworks is leading the way in re-defining personal mobility to make it easier for all of us to get around. Zephyr Airworks' innovative technology and commitment to New Zealand make them an ideal partner for advancing the future of travel in New Zealand.
At the end of the clip an ANZ spokesman talked about the project and the future was with "electric turbo prop" aircraft.!
THat is a concept I cant get my head around (or is every prop driven aircraft now a "turbo prop") Ilook forward now to electric turbo jets!
Air New Zealand and Zephyr Airworks have signed an agreement to bring the world's first autonomous electric air taxi service to New Zealand.
The agreement between the national carrier and autonomous air taxi operator Cora signals the intention to form a long-term relationship to make autonomous, electric air travel a reality for all New Zealanders.
The air taxis produce no emissions and are self-piloted through software, so those using them as transport do not need a pilot's licence. No runway is required, either, because they take off like a helicopter. The current model has a range of about 100 kilometres and can travel at about 150kmh.
Air New Zealand chief executive Christopher Luxon said the airline was committed to embracing new technologies that made life easier, as well as understanding the potential of cleaner energy solutions for travel.
"Zephyr Airworks is leading the way in re-defining personal mobility to make it easier for all of us to get around. Zephyr Airworks' innovative technology and commitment to New Zealand make them an ideal partner for advancing the future of travel in New Zealand.
At the end of the clip an ANZ spokesman talked about the project and the future was with "electric turbo prop" aircraft.!
THat is a concept I cant get my head around (or is every prop driven aircraft now a "turbo prop") Ilook forward now to electric turbo jets!