Rolls Royce develops a propulsion system for a flying taxi

The engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce has designed a propulsion system for a flying cab that, he says, could take flight early in the next decade.

The British firm said it has plans for an EVTOL vehicle that can carry four to five people.

The vehicle can drive up to 402 km / h over approximately 500 miles.

Rob Watson, head of the company's electrical team, said, "We are well positioned to play a leading role in the emerging world of personal air mobility.

Flying cars have long been a part of science fiction, but airlines and technology companies are now working to make them a reality.

Airbus, the Uber carpool company in the United States and a range of start-ups, including a company backed by Google co-founder Larry Page, Kitty Hawk, have all announced plans.

• Discover all our cover of Farnborough 2018 [19659014] Rolls says that the original concept of EVTOL used gas turbine technology to produce electricity to power six electric thrusters, specially designed to have a low noise profile.

  Its wings could turn 90 degrees, allowing the vehicle to take off or land vertically. It could also use heliports and existing airports.

  "We believe that given the work we are doing today to develop hybrid electric propulsion capabilities, this model could be available from the early to mid-2020s, provided that a commercial model viable introduction can be created, "the company said.

  The company is looking for an aircraft manufacturer and a partner to provide aspects of the electrical system, he said.