Rolls-Royce unveils its own ‘flying taxi’ concept that can be ready to take to the skies in a few years
Sunday, July 22, 2018 at 8:29AM 
A concept image of the Rolls-Royce EVTOL craft mid-flight. Image: Rolls-RoyceThe race for the skies surges forward and one of those at the forefront might not be a company you expect. Rolls-Royce, the British automaker more known for its luxury cars, has been involved in the aviation space for as long as it’s been a car manufacturer. It has produced engines of some of the most famous aircraft ever built, including the Supermarine Spitfire fighter of World War II. Now, the company is bringing this expertise into the development of its own prototype electric vertical take-off and landing (EVTOL) vehicle.
Often called the “flying taxi” concept, Rolls-Royce unveiled this vehicle at the Farnborough International Airshow. The EVTOL is being marked for use in everything from private ownership, public transport, logistics, to military use. It makes use of gas turbines to generate electricity for the six propulsors, which is designed specifically with a low-noise profile. By using turbines, it wouldn’t need to be recharged and it can fit into the existing infrastructure such as heliports and airports. This EVTOL can hold five people and travel at speeds of up to 400kph with a range of over 500km. When it reaches cruising height, its wings fold away to reduce drag and cabin noise. Two propellers will help it fly through the air. Rolls-Royce sees this model as being commercially viable by the middle of the next decade.
Source: Silicon Republic
