German air taxi start-up Volocopter has taken its maiden passenger flight, carrying Intel CEO Brian Krzanich as its first rider.
The remotely piloted flight was held in an exhibition hall in Germany and demonstrated stable and safe flight characteristics that are necessary for autonomous air taxi applications in megacities.
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During the flight, multiple microprocessors were used to monitor the environment for turbulence, winds and others to send signals in milliseconds to the rotors.
Volocopter CEO Florian Reuter said: “Autonomous air taxis are coming.
Volocopter is a fully electrical multicopter that is capable of vertical take-off and transporting people as autonomous air taxis.
The vehicle is also capable of carrying out piloted and fully autonomous flight. It uses various Intel technologies such as flight control solutions among others.
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By GlobalDataVolocopter CEO Florian Reuter said: “Autonomous air taxis are coming.
“Nothing shows our confidence better than taking a passenger aboard. We are happy it was Brian Krzanich of our strategic partner Intel.
“Although the Volocopter might resemble a helicopter, it really is a flying supercomputer, creating a pleasant and safe ride.”
Volocopter made its first manned flight in a test held in 2011.
In 2016, the company secured provisional licensing from the German aviation authority to fly two-seater Volocopter in the country.
Last year, Volocopter also signed an agreement with RTA Dubai on the global premiere of an autonomously flying air taxi. The company has already conducted autonomous test flights in Dubai.
