Ever since we first watched George Jetson head to work at Spacely’s Sprockets, we’ve been wondering when we can drive our own flying cars.
As early as 1901 humans were trying to figure out ways to combine the automobile and the airplane. Many inventors tried and failed, but the first fixed-wing road-capable vehicle didn’t happen until 1937, with Waldo Waterman’s Arrowbile.
Since then we’ve been trying to make this Frankenstein creation work for mass production. Even the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), which is responsible for funding advanced technology ideas, has tried and failed.
The biggest problem is creating something that’s both safe on the road and in the air. Weight, lift, takeoff, and propulsion must be factored into a successful dual-purpose craft. You also need drivers that are capable of flying.
Now add overall build and operating costs. So as much as we ask where’s my flying car, we have to accept that it probably won’t happen in our lifetime.
What’s the next best thing? How about a flying taxi? Aerial ridesharing is the hot topic today.
Uber is working on a program called Elevate, with machines that can do vertical takeoffs and landings (e-VTOL) using electric propulsion. Talks of repurposing parking garages into sky ports can make this a possibility.
Toyota has invested $900 million in a company called Joby for the exact same purpose. Commercial passenger service using electric air taxis are in the infancy stage right now.
Joby already has a production facility in Marina, California, and has built three aircraft. It also has completed four of the five stages required for certification through the FAA.
Toyota engineers are working together with Joby and will supply key powertrain and actuation components for the aircraft, which should give customers peace of mind knowing that an established, reliable company is behind the craft.
Cost, routes, or other details are not available yet, but even though we won’t be driving them ourselves, we may at least get to ride in one. I think George Jetson would be proud!
