Companies Node Air and JetX have joined efforts to build an innovative and futuristic means of transportation equally capable in the air and on the ground. The project divides the vehicle into two principal parts: an all-electric, self-piloting skateboard chassis and a pod carrying the useful load, be it passengers or cargo. During the takeoff, the pod is lifted from its wheeled platform by an electric VTOL and carried to its destination, where it once again touches down on a wheeled platform.
This means the passengers inside do not
need to get out of the flying taxi and catch a connection to get to their
destination – the same pod is used from start to finish, letting everybody
remain in their seats for the full duration of the trip.
The companies claim that landing on
railroad tracks is also possible – at least, in theory. At this point, the
startup has nothing to show except these 3D renderings. Node Air says it is
working on the concept, while JetX pledges to build prototypes based on its
own, proprietary e-motor tech to test them in Florida later on.
