British jet engine maker Rolls-Royce said it had drawn up plans for an electric vertical take-off and landing vehicle, or flying taxi, which could carry four to five people at speeds of up to 250 miles per hour for approximately 500 miles.
The British firm has designed a propulsion system for a flying taxi and is starting a search for partners to help develop a project it hopes could take to the skies as soon as early next decade.
The company, which makes engines for planes, helicopters and ships, joins a variety of companies racing to develop flying taxis, which could revolutionize the way people travel.
Rolls-Royce’s design will be showcased in digital form at the Farnborough Airshow, which started on Monday. The company is looking for an airframer and a partner to provide aspects of the electrical system to help commercialize the project.
Rolls-Royce said in a statement it was well-placed to play a leading role in the “personal air mobility” market.
“The initial concept vehicle uses gas turbine technology to generate electricity to power six electric propulsors specially designed to have a low noise profile,” the company said. Rolls Royce explained that the design would not require re-charging because the battery is charged by the gas turbine, adding it could use existing infrastructure such as heliports and airports.
