The world of eVTOLs continues to grow, and the recent Russian announcement will help further. The Russian Federal Government has announced a prototype flying hybrid car, a vehicle/aircraft called “Cyclocar”.
In press release just released (strictly in Russian), the federal government has outlined the steps that will lead to the adoption of the hybrid flying car. They include test flights as early as next year, with the aim of starting production by 2024.
Cyclocar, hybrid flying car
The Cyclocar is a hybrid-electric autonomous aircraft that flies forward thanks to its four cyclic propellers. It will be able to carry up to six passengers, with a maximum payload capacity of 600kg (1.323 lbs).
Last year, a small-scale version of the flying hybrid car weighing about 60 kilos (140 pounds) was successfully tried and tested, the TASS agency reported.
Now it gets serious
Next year's prototype will be a full-size version. It will measure just over 6 meters by 6 meters (20,3 feet by 19,6 feet) and will have a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph), a range of 311 miles (500 km). It will have no wings, and fixed wheels that will also act as landing support gear.
For now the Cyclocar will be completely electric. The hybrid version of the flying car is expected in the next phase of testing.
What will be the advantages of the hybrid flying car?
Cyclocar is a compact eVTOL and offers very quick control of its 360 degree thrust vectors. It is very, very maneuverable and particularly quiet - which could come in handy when operating for military purposes or when flying over urban areas.
Built with various purposes in mind, Cyclocar will be able to land even on surfaces with an inclination of 30 degrees and even dock on vertical surfaces.
The plan calls for the hybrid flying car to be available for civilian and military uses. Which? Urban air mobility, search and rescue, police work, firefighting, tourism, surveying, battlefield transport and much more.
Whether they are "racing" or flying cars eVTOL Skybus for 40 passengers, in the next few years we will have an invasion of flying cars.