While flying taxis may sound like vehicles of science fiction, the futuristic vehicles are slowly but surely becoming a reality.
This week, Vertical Aerospace showcased its flying taxi prototype in London’s Canary Wharf, and Mirror Online was given an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour.
The vehicle, dubbed Seraph, is an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft that could take to the skies as early as 2023.
Seraph features six arms and 12 rotors, which are each powered by independent motors.
Speaking to Mirror Online, Simon Harper, head of testing at Vertical Aerospace, explained: “They’re completely independent, so if one was to stop working, the other would pick up the load.”
The vehicle is capable of withstanding loads of up to 250kg.
Mr Harper explained: “The pod could carry the equivalent of three passengers, or could be used to transport cargo.”
And it’s pretty nippy too - the eVTOL can reach impressive speeds of up to 80 kilometres/hour.
Vertical claims that Seraph can travel from Heathrow airport to Canary Wharf in under 15 minutes - a trip that will take almost an hour and a half by car.
Mr Harper added: "The reason we’re at Canary Wharf, it’s such a great potential mission for these aircrafts.
“Canary Wharf out to City Airport or Heathrow - that’s where I first see these missions, as a kind of shuttle service. We’re trying to be significantly cheaper than a helicopter ride, while also being safer.”
Other key features include a passive cooling design, and even the ability to float, to allow for water landings.
Unfortunately, it remains unclear exactly how much the Seraph will cost.
However, Mr Harper added that he sees Vertical Aerospace working with taxi firms such as Uber in the future - watch this space!
