NHK commentary committee room

[What kind of vehicle is a flying car in the first place?] There is no clear definition, but in general, it can take off and land vertically using multiple propellers that move on electricity.▼ And eventually, it will be possible to operate automatically without a pilot (for example, the person who uses it will go to the specified destination in advance by pressing the button).

[Can you run on the road?There are various types, but the mainstream that is being developed is the type that does not run on the road.Therefore, it may be called "electric helicopter" using drone technology.However, compared to the current helicopter, there are voices that can be used closer to them, which will lead to the "empty movement revolution".

[Is it an empty mobile revolution?How does it change?] ▼ Electric.In other words, since the engine is not used, the sound is quieter than the helicopter and does not emit exhaust gas.▼ The structure of the aircraft is simpler and the number of parts is small.Therefore, if mass production is advanced, the price and maintenance costs of the aircraft can be reduced.And if you can fly without a pilot in the future, the cost of operating will be low.▼ Since it can take off and land in a small place, there are many places where you can take off and land, including residential areas.This is expected.

[From these features, it may be possible to use it close.] Yes.If it is realized, for example, each municipality or hospital owns the aircraft, carry emergency patients from depopulated areas and remote islands to urban hospitals, or in the event of a disaster.You will be able to carry doctors and supplies more frequently than ever.Alternatively, in urban areas, when an emergency occurs, the doctor will carry the doctor from the hospital to the patient's house.Such a role in an emergency is considered.

[Some areas take time for ambulances to arrive due to traffic congestion on the road, so I would be grateful if a doctor came immediately.Furthermore, if the spread is progressing and the usage fee is about several thousand yen, you can carry tourists from the airport to sightseeing spots and hotels, or from the terminal close to the company to the place of work.Alternatively, carry a person who hurried home from the city center to his home.It is possible to use an empty taxi to move quickly.

[When will it be realized?] Looking at the world development status, it seems that it is not a dream story of a distant future.The preceding is a venture company in Europe and the United States.For example, a two -seater aircraft developed by a German company (ragopter).This is a video of the success of the test flight in Singapore in 2019.In 2023, we plan to use a proof about the safety of the aircraft in Europe to commercialize the world.

▼ In addition, this is a five -seater aircraft developed by an American company (Joby Aviation).We are flying on the test flight, proving safety in the United States, and aiming for commercialization in 2024.

▼ In addition, this is an aircraft developed by a domestic venture company (Sky Drive).Last year, it was a space separated by the Internet, but I succeeded in a test flight with people.In the future, the two -seater aircraft is aiming for commercialization in 2025 with proof of safety in Japan.

NHK 解説委員室

[Some aircraft are already flying in the sky] That's right.And this "flying car".Expectations are also made from domestic industries.This is because if mass production, including abroad, you will have the chance to enter Japanese manufacturers such as materials and parts, and if you fly in Japan, providing operation services and control systems.It is expected that new markets, such as the construction and installation of facilities that take off and land, are expected to expand, and there are actually companies that give their own name.

However, there are several issues before realization.First of all, it's safe.It is technology development for that.

[I'm curious whether it's safe just because I fly in the sky] It's important because it's life -threatening.This "flying car".Legally, as an aircraft under the Aviation Law, it is required to be as safe as aircraft.▼ Not only prevents propellers and batteries from breaking down, but also ▼ even if a gust blows, the aircraft does not fall or collide with the building.For example, the structure of the aircraft that can maintain safety, such as control and sensor, such as continuing to fly with the remaining propellers and spare batteries, will be required.First of all, it is a high hurdle for commercialization to provide national proofs on safety.Without it, you cannot fly in Japan.However, creating rules for that is also a challenge.

[The rules are now] Yes.What do you do with specific criteria, even if it is said that aircraft is the same as aircraft?It is necessary to create rules while cooperating with Europe and the United States.Also, not only the safety of the aircraft itself, but also the pilot's license standards?▼ What do you do with the flying route?For example, in a city, a certain limit is applied, such as limited to the river?▼ Where do you allow you to take off and land in the city center or in a residential area?These rules will be considered in the future.

[There are many issues] Yes.The government collaborated with the industry, and first of all, by 2023, after developing rules such as safety, ▼ developed in Japan and overseas, using aircraft that proved safety in 2025.At the Osaka / Kansai Expo, transport tourists, for example, from the airport to the venue.▼ And then use it in depopulated areas and remote islands.Furthermore, we will proceed to automatic operation.We are considering the direction of compiling such a rough picture figure.

[10 years later, a flying car may be flying in urban areas] However, for that, another one.It is also indispensable to gain the understanding of society.

[Is it an understanding of society?] In the area where you live, how long you live, how much you can tolerate the flying car will be allowed to fly.There were 10 % of those who answered that they could fly in, but 31 % of those who answered that they were completely unacceptable at all.An accident is likely to occur.Isn't the falling object falling?The biggest reason is that there is anxiety about being noisy.

[I understand this anxiety] In order to gain the understanding of society, we will ensure safety and use such a route, and if it is such a route, it is okay to fly nearby, so that local residents are convinced.It is indispensable to explore the way.

For that reason, it is important for the government to disseminate information more and more from the early stage of the rules, conduct careful discussions in society as a whole, and think together.

(Junko Imai commentary committee member)