Flying cars have been the ‘next big thing’
for decades, but they really haven’t taken off. However, that hasn’t stopped
Urban Aeronautics from pushing ahead with their CityHawk electric vertical
take-off and landing aircraft. Quite the opposite as the company has signed a
deal with HyPoint to incorporate hydrogen fuel cells into the flying car.
The CityHawk would have two hydrogen fuel tanks and two fuel cell
stacks. The electricity generated by them would feed two electric motors that
each produce 939 hp. The latter power internal rotors with
so-called “Fancraft technology.” They have special ducting and “innovative
aerodynamic technologies” that promise to increase control, stability and speed
while also improving safety and reducing noise. Furthermore, the fuel cells
promise to provide “superior energy performance” and a lifespan of
approximately 20,000 hours. Like other hydrogen vehicles, the aircraft would
“only take a few minutes to refuel” rather than hours to recharge.
Israel21c says the hydrogen-powered model
can hit speeds up to 201 km/h and travel around 161 km before needing to refuel. That isn’t very far, but the model is envisioned as a
flying taxi and an air rescue vehicle. The CityHawk could be well-suited for
taxi use as the aircraft seats up to five passengers and promises to have a
true “fly anywhere, land anywhere” capacity that allows for “door-to-door
transportation.” Should anything go wrong, the aircraft has a rocket deployed
emergency parachute to safety return the CityHawk to the ground.
Of course, you won’t be riding in one
anytime soon as the company’s CEO suggested it won’t be ready until late this
decade.
