What will it be like to speed on the highways of the sky ?

Imagine zipping above city traffic, seamlessly transitioning from driving to flying, reminiscent of scenes from sci-fi classics like “The Fifth Element” or “Blade Runner.” While today’s reality of flying cars might not fully align with these cinematic dreams, significant strides are being made in the realm of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which promise a new frontier in urban air mobility.

Unlike the transforming vehicles of science fiction, most current eVTOLs do not operate on roads; instead, they are designed for aerial transportation only. These aircraft, often referred to as flying cars, are already under development across various locations worldwide, heralding a future where air travel might integrate into daily commuting.

Jetson, a pioneering company in this field, initiated the production of its model, the Jetson One, in Poland in 2022 before relocating to Italy. In Italy, the company has been actively testing the aircraft and has secured special permits that allow for unmanned and remote piloting. Classified as an ultralight, the Jetson One can be flown in uncontrolled airspace across Italy.

The design of the Jetson One is remarkably minimalist, featuring an aluminum frame and seat, eight propellers, and a total weight under 100 kilograms. Despite its exposed structure, Jetson assures that the aircraft is safe and straightforward to operate, controlled by just a joystick.

With a software-limited top speed of 102 km/h and a flight duration of 20 minutes, the Jetson One is tailored more for recreational use rather than practical applications like air taxi services. Its open cockpit design and limited payload capacity further emphasize its role as a personal leisure vehicle, rather than a utilitarian transport solution.

Jetson promotes the concept of democratizing flight with the slogan “everyone is a pilot,” highlighting the personal freedom offered by the Jetson One. The company recently showcased how eVTOLs could interact in the skies, demonstrating formation flying in an open field, illustrating potential future scenarios where personal eVTOLs could navigate the “highways in the sky.”

Although the initial use of these vehicles is envisioned for specific missions requiring quick and agile mobility, Jetson is also nurturing more futuristic visions. In a recent development, the company introduced Jetson Astro, a robotic dog inspired by Boston Dynamics’ Spot.

This robot is designed to perform pre-flight checks and ensure safety around the aircraft during operations. The popularity of Jetson’s eVTOLs is evident in their sales success, with models for 2024 and 2025 already sold out and pre-orders for 2026 underway.

As urban air mobility evolves, the integration of eVTOLs into daily transportation systems seems increasingly plausible. These vehicles offer a glimpse into a future where personal air travel could alleviate ground traffic congestion and provide a thrilling new dimension to personal mobility. While we are not yet at the stage of fully integrated flying cars, the progress in eVTOL technology points towards an exciting new era in transportation.

Source: jetson.com