There is a huge frenzy behind human transport via VTOL. The startups of the sector have never stopped dreaming and obviously planning on this technology. Its development is directly proportional to the high degree of urbanization of the cities which are totally engulfed by road traffic and pollution. The advent of VTOLs is getting closer and less and less science fiction.
Faster, less polluting, lots of fun.
The first models capable of vertical take-off and landing date back to the 80s. From the first vehicles tested to now, the advantages are countless. First of all they are powered by electricity, which already removes any doubts about their eco-compatibility. They do not require direct guidance. They are extremely fast and always safer. VTOL can accommodate up to five passengers and require investments in take-off and landing infrastructure that are considerably less expensive than those of air transport. Can cover distances of up to 30 km. It is only necessary to identify a Vertiport A or a take-off point and a Vertiport B, for landing. And clearly make human transport completely safe and make costs equal to those of public transport. Not that easy.
100% distruptiveness
Recent technologies come to the rescue of these apparent shortcomings of drone transport.
Impossible not to mention the artificial intelligence that will be the real pilot of VTOL vehicles and therefore reduce operating costs. Then there will be the implementation of electric propulsion. In fact, over the years this will have to become a preferential route for eco-sustainability and therefore it is expected that it will also be less expensive. This will make drones a cheaper alternative to helicopters.
Finally, it is expected that the 5G network will provide drones with better reception for metropolitan travel.
The first short routes
Among the first flight applications are short trips. Like those already guaranteed by taxis, within a distance of forty km. Another excellent application is that of transport between very close cities which usually cannot be connected by plane. Within the same airports, VTOLs can be an excellent replacement for airport shuttles. So only one question remains: when will human trasport via VTOL become reality?
Unfortunately it will depend on the costs, to lower which a collaboration between manufacturing companies, startups and government bodies will be necessary. It is necessary that more and more companies produce drones, in order to gradually reduce their costs. It is possible that this occurs in Asian countries earlier than elsewhere, as it is precisely in those territories that urban centers are larger and the need for rapid movement more urgent.
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