Flying cars are all
the rage these days and Alaka’i Technologies has unveiled their all-new Skai
which was developed with the assistance of BMW Designworks. Billed as the
“world’s first hydrogen fuel cell powered air mobility solution,” the Skai is
essentially an electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle.
BMW Designworks
helped to create the styling of the Skai and it’s a sleeking looking vehicle
with large windows, a glass roof and wide sliding doors. The model also has a
carbon composite airframe and landing skids as well as rotor booms that are
sweptback to prevent sightline obstructions and vibrations.
The interior is
relatively sparse, but there are five seats which are arranged in a V-formation
to give passengers a better view of their surroundings. Speaking of passengers,
they sit on impact-absorbing seats which feature four-point harnesses and what
appears to be leather upholstery.
The Skai’s most
unique feature is its powertrain which consists of three hydrogen fuel cells
that power six electric motors that each produce 134 hp. This
enables the aircraft to hits speeds of up to 190 km/h, but the
company said most local trips will likely have an average speed of 137
km/h.
The Skai can be
equipped with a 200-400 liter hydrogen fuel tank and this will
enable the aircraft to stay afloat for up to four hours. The model can also travel up to 644 km without refueling. The Skai promises to “democratize” air
transportation and doesn’t require a helipad or runway. As a result, the model
can land on rooftops, driveways and parking lots.
The Skai is
currently undergoing testing and Alaka’i Technologies said the model is
“autonomous-ready today,” but FAA regulations currently don’t allow for
autonomous flight. As a result, the company will launch a piloted version
first, before introducing an autonomous version which can seat up to five
passengers. While people might be wary of an autonomous aircraft, Alaka’i
Technologies said the Skai has multiple fail-safes and a parachute.
