U.S.-based company Alaka’i Technologies has held a presentation dedicated to what it claims to be the world’s first self-piloted aerial taxi powered by hydrogen fuel cells. It is called Skai and is a co-project with Designworks, a BMW Group company.
Designworks conceptualized the principal architecture of the drone and the layout of its main units and components, including the three hydrogen fuel cells.
The aerial taxi comes powered by six electric motors jointly rated at 100 kilowatts. The vehicle can accelerate up to 190 km/h (118 mph) and stay airborne for up to 4 hours before depleting its cells. Additional hydrogen tanks can be installed to increase total flight time to 10 hours. Maximum traveling distance is estimated at 645 kilometers (400 miles). Refueling only takes 10 minutes at most.
Skai does not need any kind of expensive infrastructure, since it supports vertical takeoff and landing from parking areas and rooftops. It comes with an emergency parachute as a safeguard against engine failure.
Alaka’i Technologies did not mention when it was going to begin testing its drone out in the field.
Photos: Alaka’i Technologies