28 December 2021 || 3 min read
At CES® Unveiled (Jan. 3) and CES 2022 (Jan. 5-8), SkyDrive, a Tokyo-based aero tech startup, will demonstrate its ultra-light and compact flying vehicle. Designed to vertically take off and land with superb stability, this emission-free electric vehicle enables fast and safe door-to-door transportation anywhere, including uses for emergency rescue. SkyDrive recently tested and approved its design for flight, and has advanced toward commercialization with the Japanese transportation ministry’s acceptance of its type certificate application — a major milestone that the company claims is a first for flying vehicle developers in Japan.
CES 2022 will feature Model SD-03, a demonstration model for the new, autonomous SD-05, which is currently under development and slated as a potential air taxi at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka.
“SkyDrive’s emission-free vehicles can quickly take off from and land in your parking lot and helipads atop buildings, making door-to-door air service a realistic choice of daily urban transportation,” SkyDrive CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa said. “We are working harder and faster than ever to make this once-in-a-century mobility revolution a reality. We cannot wait to be in Las Vegas to demonstrate the SD-03 model, which is the culmination of our expertise in drone technologies and aerodynamic engineering.” Technical specs for the SD-03 include:
| SD-03 | |
| Dimensions | 4.0 m (L) x 4.0 m (W) x 2.0 m (H) |
| Power source | Electric |
| Passenger capacity | Driver only |
| Number of propellers | 8 |
| Max takeoff weight | 400 kg |
| Max cruise speed | 40-50 km/h |
| Flight time | 5-10 mins |
SkyDrive will be on display at the following locations and times:
Jan. 3 — CES Unveiled (Mandalay Bay Level 2) — SD-03 miniature model
Jan. 5-8 — J-Startup Pavilion (Eureka Park) — Full-scale SD-03 for people to climb aboard
Why it’s important: The SkyDrive displays at CES Unveiled and CES will allow consumers, business, and potential users of this technology to start to gain a feel for the operating and flying experience. While there’s a large amount of buzz around “personal flying machines” or “personal aerial vehicles”, these types of aircraft are crucial to the early technological advancement of the same components that will ultimately shape the future of full-scale, on-demand aerial mobility transport aircraft. Stay tuned for other big announcements from CES coming next week.
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