As part of Hyundai's all-new vision for mobility and smart cities of the future Hyundai have announced a new partnership to develop Uber Air Taxis for a future aerial ride share network ...
Called the S-A1, the all-electric transporter created in collaboration with Uber has been designed to carry up to four passengers offering a cruising speed up to 180 miles/hr (290 km/hr), a cruising altitude of around 1,000-2,000 feet (300 - 600 mt) above ground, and to fly trips up to 60 mile (100 km).
According to the South Korean automaker the S-A1 will be 100% electric, utilizing distributed electric propulsion and during peak hours will require about five to seven minutes for recharging. Powered by multiple propellers to increase safety by decreasing any single point of failure, the smaller, electric-powered rotors will produce much less noise in comparison to helicopters.
Designed to take off vertically, transition to wing-borne lift in cruise, and then transition back to vertical flight to land. The S-1 will be piloted initially, but over time Hyundai plan to adopt a autonomous version.
While Hyundai will produce the electric aircraft, Uber will handle the operations with the first actual prototype scheduled for 2023, according to a Hyundai spokesperson.
