The first test flight of a flying car developed by the Japanese startup SkyDrive Inc. has successfully taken place in Tokyo.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports, citing foreign media, that the demonstration marks a significant step forward in the development of next-generation urban air mobility.
During the demonstration flight, the vehicle covered a distance of approximately 150 meters in the airspace over Tokyo Bay. The flight duration lasted 3.5 minutes, showcasing the vehicle's stability and maneuverability in a coastal environment.
The SD-05 flying car is powered by 12 rotor motors featuring battery-operated propeller blades similar to those found on quadcopters. The aircraft is designed to carry up to three people and has an operational range of between 15 and 40 kilometers. According to Tomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO of SkyDrive, the cost of such a flight could eventually be about twice that of a taxi, while the travel time would be four to five times shorter.
The development of Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles is gaining momentum globally as cities seek to alleviate ground-level traffic congestion and reduce carbon emissions. Japan has been a proactive supporter of this technology, aiming to integrate flying vehicles into its national transportation network by the mid-2020s. This initiative aligns with broader global trends where major tech hubs are investing in sustainable, high-speed aerial transit solutions to modernize urban infrastructure.
