Aston Martin has partnered up with Rolls-Royce, Cranfield University and the CAeS aeronautical and space agency on a project to create a self-driving aircraft powered by a hybrid engine. The so-called Volante Vision Concept should represent a worthy replacement for luxury cars, the manufacturer claimed.
Aston Martin CEO said that the primary advantage of the multicopter drone is its capability to transport passengers from Point A to Point B in the shortest amount of time possible. In big cities, people tend to lose precious time stuck in traffic jams, and a multicopter would enable them to get around much faster.
The vehicle is designed to accommodate up to three people. Pathfinding and piloting will be completely electronic. Last but not least, the Volante Vision Concept will technically be a VTOL, i.e. support vertical takeoff and landing.
This isn’t the first time Aston Martin presents its vision of what future means of transportation may look like. The company has introduced Project Neptune last year, a conceptual underwater vehicle that could submerge to depths reaching 500 meters and go at around 7 km/h (4.3 mph).
Photo: autoexpress.co.uk