Dubai, the city of dreams, has always been known for its luxurious lifestyle and state-of-the-art technological advancements. One of the most intriguing questions that people often ask is whether Dubai has flying cars or not. To answer this question, we must dive deeper into the matter.
What are Flying Cars?
Flying cars, also known as Personal Air Vehicles (PAVs), are vehicles that can travel on roads like traditional cars but also have the ability to take off and land like an airplane or a helicopter. They are designed to be a hybrid between a car and an aircraft.
The Concept of Flying Cars in Dubai
Dubai has always been a pioneer when it comes to innovation and technology. In 2017, Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that they plan to launch autonomous flying taxi services by 2020.
The taxis would be capable of carrying two passengers with a combined weight of up to 200 kilograms and a small suitcase. The project was launched in collaboration with German drone firm Volocopter.
According to the RTA, the flying taxis would have a maximum airspeed of 100 km/h and would be able to fly for up to 30 minutes on a single charge. The aim was to reduce traffic congestion on the ground and provide an alternative mode of transportation for residents and tourists alike.
The Current Status of Flying Cars in Dubai
As of now, there are no operational flying cars available in Dubai. However, the RTA has completed several successful test flights for its autonomous air taxi service. The tests were conducted over the skies of Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) area.
The test flights were conducted using Volocopter’s two-seater electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle equipped with 18 rotors. During the tests, the vehicle flew for five minutes at a maximum altitude of 200 meters.
The Future of Flying Cars in Dubai
Dubai has always been at the forefront of technological advancements, and the development of autonomous flying taxis is just one example. The RTA aims to launch its flying taxi service in 2022, which would make Dubai the first city in the world to have operational autonomous air taxis.
In addition to this, other companies such as Uber and Airbus are also working on developing their own versions of flying cars. It is not far-fetched to say that we may soon see a future where flying cars become a common sight in the skies above Dubai.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there are no operational flying cars available in Dubai yet, the RTA is making significant progress towards launching its autonomous air taxi service. With several successful test flights completed, it seems that it is only a matter of time before we see flying cars soaring through the skies above Dubai.