BlackFly Powers into the Flying Car Industry

The BlackFly, an eVTOL made by tech company Opener, released footage of the first flight of their craft, which is powered by eight fans spread across two wings. Here’s a video:

The BlackFly is being worked on by Opener, a Palo Alto – based corporation that has kept the development of the eVTOL under wraps until recently when they disclosed the first flight.

According to the article, the BlackFly can “travel for up to 25 miles (40km) at a speed of 62mph.”

Early models will most likely be expensive, although in the longer term the price should decrease somewhat. Testing is being conducted in Canada under the Canadian Civil Air Authority. The BlackFly does not require a pilot’s license to operate, similar to the Kitty Hawk Flyer. However, a training program is necessary to acquaint operators with the aircraft to enable safe flying, stated Opener.

Darren Pleasance, director of the US Experimental Aircraft Association,“Watching BlackFly take flight just blew me away, I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Why it’s important: To this date, the BlackFly has been off the radar in the flying taxi, until now. Since the company has kept much of the technical details of their craft secret until now, there will most likely be swift and large response of interest in Opener and the progress of flight testing of the craft, in conjunction with the Transport Canada. Learn more about the BlackFly here.

Source

• BBC News
• CBS News