Shortly after Daimler announced it had invested in
aviation startup Volocopter, the intriguing 18-rotor multicopter has been put
on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Dubbed the 2X in production guise, the multicopter
made its maiden crewed flight in April 2016 as a prototype. Thanks to the
18-rotor design, it looks unlike any other flying vehicle out there.
In June, Volocopter announced that it will begin
testing the 2X as part of a flying taxi service later this year following a deal
with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority. The testing regime will last for
five years and serve as a crucial tool to show the world the versatility of
flying taxis.
Daimler has only been involved in the project
for a brief time but it’s influence is already visible on the 2X with a sticker
that reads ‘Inspired by EQ’, the name used for the upcoming EV family of
Mercedes-Benz.
