The US company is collaborating with a Philippine automaker to develop a flying van with a range of more than 480 km and a top speed of 354 km/h.
Van design attached to propeller frame. Photo: LuftCar
LuftCar, a Florida-based company, has signed a memorandum of understanding with eFrancisco Motor Corporation (eFMC) in the Philippines to develop a hydrogen-powered vertical takeoff and landing vehicle, New Atlas reported on February 13. The vehicle will consist of a propeller frame attached to an eFMC vehicle model to create a long-range, high-speed flying car.
eFMC’s new vehicle is a modified version of a traditional Philippine jeepney (a small bus with a colorful exterior), transformed into a more van-like vehicle and is expected to run on hydrogen fuel cells. Meanwhile, the large frame that helps it take off will have six adjustable propellers.
The docking mechanism includes LuftCar's patented five-point docking system, in which the airframe encloses the vehicle by assembling from above, below and behind. The new vehicle has an expected range of more than 480 km and a top speed of 354 km/h.
“Our air and land vehicle concept is intended to connect the archipelago and serve cargo, ambulance, tourism and other missions. Our hydrogen propulsion system will serve the needs of heavy-duty and long-distance transportation in the region. We are excited to partner with eFMC, a company with a clear vision for clean energy transportation in the Philippines,” said Santh Sathya, CEO of LuftCar.
The initial focus of the new flying car is on defense and cargo applications. LuftCar plans to produce a smaller, two-seat prototype for testing, with a flight expected later this year. The company will then develop a five-seat version, with production expected to begin around 2025-2026.
Thu Thao (According to New Atlas )
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