SkyDrive Co., Ltd. announced in August 2020 that it received 3.9 billion yen from Japan Policy Bank and others.Along with the industrial cargo drone, it is attracting much attention in the development of a large drone, "Flying Flying Car" (SD-03), which can fly with people.The aircraft already succeeded in the manned demonstration experiment this summer.The editor -in -chief, Yukuri Sugihara, who is waiting for the realization of an air mobility society more than anyone, asks Skydrive Representative Tomohiro Fukuzawa the future map of "flying cars."
The reason for sticking to "flying cars"
Sugihara: First, I would like to ask about a flying dot loan with people.I'm one of the people who want to wait for the future that Mr. Fukuzawa is drawing, but as a permeation to the general public, there are still many people who say, "Can you fly with people on a drone?"So, can you tell us from a rudimentary place?
Fukuzawa: First of all, can you fly with people on a drone?You can fly.Usually, drones are about 5kg, but cargo drones we are currently developing can be carried about 30 to 40kg.Since the thrust is almost determined in proportion to the area of the propeller, the larger the propeller, the heavier the propeller can be carried.Our products are quite large and have no problem with people riding.So, in terms of technical perspective, the answer is to fly.
SkyDrive's flying car "SD-03".In August 2020, a manned flight test was held at Toyota Test Field in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture.© Skydrive/Cartivator 2020
However, since safety is the biggest concern, first of all, no matter what kind of system trouble, we aim to keep flying.If the safety level is raised to the booing and airbus level, it will be considered an aircraft and you will be able to fly with the general public.We are aiming to reach that in 2023.
To tell the second question, the difference from the helicopter, the first point that the helicopter is excellent is that you can carry heavy things that can be reached far away.On the other hand, the advantage of a flying car is that it is electric, so there is no engine and there is less landing space.Helicopters go down diagonally, but flying cars descends completely vertically, making it easy to secure take -by -landing space.In addition, helicopters are quite difficult to hover, but flying cars are automatic hovering, so you can operate only the direction you want to go.As with the overwhelming number of people who can control the drone than the helicopter radio controlled, the flying car pilot is easy and easy to automate.That is the strength.
Sugihara: There are expressions such as "Air Mobility" and "Symbiotic Society", but is there any reason you are particular about the expression of a flying car?
Fukuzawa: There are two reasons.The plane is the mobility used on the day of Halle, and the car is a mobility that can be used on a daily basis.It is called "car" because it can be used like a car.The other is now a flying aircraft, but the size is compact, so you can actually run on the ground.It is a position that can run on the ground and fly on the sky, which is an extension of the current car.
Sugihara: Now, air mobility competition has begun at once.Among them, your company's goal of "carrying people in 2023" is quite early among the market research etc., but is that possible?
Fukuzawa: That's right.I think it's possible, and some other players are aiming for it.I think that the mature level of parts centered on motors and batteries and the combination of it are the elements, but in the past three to five years, the maturity of parts has rapidly increased, and the accuracy of smartphones is also accurate.The price of a high sensor has fallen to 1/100 or 100,000.
Sugihara: The current question is not a mean meaning, and I believe that the airmobility society will always occur.Are similar competitors already develop services worldwide?
Fukuzawa: There is no company that carrys people.However, there are a few companies that have declared that they will start around 2020 and 23 years as long as we recognize.However, this kind of development field is almost late (laughs).
Sugihara: It's late with space development.
Fukuzawa: Yes.So, if everyone started in the same way, would we be in the top group?At first, I think that it is quick to improve the operation environment, improve and update while keeping the data while keeping safety and security.There is also the idea that it makes 100%aircraft, and it is inevitable that it is too late, but I think it is natural to expand it overwhelmingly while turning it out early because it is a venture.
Sugihara: That's right.Because it doesn't make sense if you don't do what a large company can't do.Large companies cannot invest in the lack of evidence, and cannot pass their approval.But if you were a company like us, you wouldn't be the only company like us.
Fukuzawa: I think so.
It can also be an alternative to a doctor helicopter
Sugihara: For example, I think the reason why electric vehicles have become popular is that the power supply port has increased steadily. Is the port in Japan in Japan shared with a helicopter?Or do you use idle land?
Fukuzawa: The first thing we are thinking of flying is the maritime flight route in Osaka.There are some spaces and places that can be used as a port around Osaka Bay, and I'm going to divert it.In a way, it's an idle land.We choose from the viewpoint that the river and the top of the sea are easy to land in an emergency, and it is easy to understand the people who live.Other than that, it will stop anywhere if it is a heliport, and the area is not necessary as a helicopter port, so you can use places where the rooftop has surplus.
Sugihara: That's interesting.I think Japan has a track record of introducing helicopters at the top 5 in the world ranking and the top 10 levels.So, I think there is an understanding of flying over the sky, but in terms of the understanding of those who live around, I think I have to fight ethics.How fast do you think you will be accepted?
Fukuzawa: We are actively discussing with public and private officials regarding flying in Osaka in 2023, so we believe that it is quite close to realization.However, when you look up, you will be concerned about "Doesn't it fall?"I think that using the word "flying car" is easy for the user's image to spring up from that point of view, and it is a new mobile mobility but familiar.
Sugihara: I think innovation is likely to occur where it has an urgency, but are you approaching disasters?
Fukuzawa: I think it is possible to replace a doctor helicopter.Doctor helicopters cost about 200 million yen per year for operating costs alone, but flying cars are expected to be about 30 million yen per car, and it is over once you buy it.Suddenly cost performance is good, so from that point of view.
Sugihara: If it becomes more and more popular, the price will drop, and at that time, I will buy a mini car, buy a hybrid, buy a sports car, and I think it will be like that.Is it?
Fukuzawa: It's a small passenger car Toyota Vitz system.It is easy for anyone to ride easily.Housewives and children want to be interested, and the design is a cool form, but it makes it easier to fit into everyday life.
Sugihara: That means that if something like Ferrari or Porsche comes out, it will be easier to compare.
Fukuzawa: That's right.Our goal means that you will be able to use the sky freely on a daily basis.It's compact, easy for everyone to use, easy to buy, and I think the service is good.
Sugihara: I think the license will always come out in the future.Is the license a line sense that comes with when driving an aircraft, or will it issue a new license?
Fukuzawa: At the moment, I want to eliminate licenses.I want to make it an autonomous driving, so I don't need a license in the first place.Conversely, if you are a pilot, you'll feel like a remote pilot or completely AI or autonomous driving.However, for the first few years, I would like to make a pilot license to be able to maneuver in case of safety collateral, so I would like to make a new license standard, but the basics.I think that it can be a drone control skill and a skill that can avoid dangerous and emergency, so I think it will be quite light.
Aiming for a society where everyone can easily fly in the sky
Sugihara: It is said that in about 2030, many air mobility took air control mainly in rural areas and sea, and it was a natural culture in fiscal 2040.It's pretty far away.Can't you speed up a little more (laughs)?
Fukuzawa: The smartphone appeared with a smartphone more than 10 years ago, and anyone now has it.I think those who have early adapter purchased quickly.However, those who do not think that they have never heard of the word "flying cars yet", so I think that the people use it in 2030.
Sugihara: Finally, please tell us about your future.
Fukuzawa: That's the time when everyone can fly in the sky safely and safely.
Sugihara: By all means, thank you as soon as possible!(smile)
Fukuzawa: Yes.I would be glad if you could ride in Osaka in 2023.