The city’s skies could soon look like something out of The Jetsons…
Dubai is definitely a city of the future (world’s first Hyperloop, anyone?), and the latest transport option set to come to the emirate is no exception.
Flying cars will be launched in Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced, and the trials will begin as soon as this summer.
“Dubai [will] operate the first Autonomous Aerial Vehicle (AAV) capable of carrying a human this July,” said Dubai Media Office in a statement.
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The futuristic little pods are completely driverless – so don’t worry if you haven’t got your pilot wings – with a little touch screen that shows a map of destinations via pre-set routes.
The cars are designed by Chinese company Ehang, and they’re not just a pipe dream – the vehicles have already made flights right here in Dubai.
“The AAV exhibited is not just a model; it is a real version that we have already experimented the vehicle in a flight in Dubai sky,” Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the RTA, said at the World Government Summit, according to The National.
The cars will be controlled by a central command centre, meaning passengers can just sit back and enjoy the ride.
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They won’t be long-distance options, however, with the vehicles having a battery time of around 30 minutes and an ability to cover an area of 40 to 50 kilometres.
The AAVs can carry 100kg plus a small suitcase, so they could make a great commuter alternative to Sheikh Zayed Road.
And don’t worry about safety – the RTA stressed that the vehicles, which can reach up to 160 kilometres an hour, can survive malfunctioning.
“We have addressed the highest levels of security in the designing and manufacturing of the Ehang184. The vehicle is fitted with eight main propellers,” Al Tayer said, The National reports.
“In case of any failure in the first propeller, there would be seven other propellers ready to complete the flight and a smooth landing.”
The launch of the AAVs follows the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to “transform Dubai into the smartest city in the world”, said Al Tayer.
Image: Ehang/YouTube
