Flying cars in Dubai: Ehang 184, Uber Elevate & More

It’s 2020 and we are well on the way to welcoming a world of creativity and innovation with the launch of the highly anticipated EXPO 2020. One such futuristic technology that will soon arrive in the city seems something straight out of a sci-fi movie. If you have ever heard anyone ask if there are flying cars in Dubai, the unbelievable answer is, yes! It may sound unreal, but flying cars are coming to Dubai pretty soon. While the city’s skies may not look like a scene from The Jetsons, these hovering vehicles will change the cityscape (or should we say skyscape?) soon. Here’s what we know about flying or floating cars in Dubai so far.

If you have ever been stuck in a Dubai traffic jam, you may have already dreamt about flying cars. This dream is coming true sooner than we may have imagined.

This latest transportation will further solidify Dubai’s reputation as a city of the future. Last year, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) completed successful trials of the autonomous passenger drones and announced that flying cars Dubai will soon be launched.

Like most modernisation efforts in the emirate, the launch of hover cars in Dubai follows the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

RTA FLYING CARS IN DUBAI

These flying cars Dubai are “Autonomous Aerial Vehicles (AAV)”, and they look more like pods than actual cars. This driverless flying car in Dubai comes with a touch screen that displays maps of destinations through pre-set routes. The passengers can interact with the touch screen navigation to reach their destination.

These AVVs have been designed by Ehang, a Chinese company, to facilitate a seamless new mode of transport in the city. The design and model, known as Ehang 184, was also showcased at the World Government Summit 2017.

EHANG 184 FEATURES

Each of these cars can carry 100 kg of weight, and you can even carry a small suitcase (making these rides ideal for professionals). A central command centre will control the cars; all passengers have to do is hop on and off! In addition, each AAV has an independent key and the encrypted communication ensures that no one hacks the vehicle, especially during the flight.

Etisalat was the service provider for the test run of the AAV. The telecom company provided M2M and LTE technologies enabling the vehicle to communicate with the control centre with 4G data.

Moving on, these vehicles can travel distances up to 50 kilometres. Long-distance travelling in AVVs currently remains limited because of the 30-minute battery time. Even then, these vehicles can reach speeds of up to 160 km per hour.

Other features of AVVs (as per official announcements) include:

4 metres per second landing speed
6 metres per second ascending/descending speed
The AVV measures 3.9 m x 4.02 m x 1.60 m
Total weight of the vehicle is 250 kg and it can carry around 110 kg of additional weight
Ehang 184 is a product of green technology

EHANG 184 SAFETY

As far as safety is concerned, the RTA has stated these vehicles have been tested and are safe to travel in. Barring thunderstorms, the cars can operate in all conditions, even in extreme temperatures. They can resist vibrations and manufacturers have fitted “highly accurate” sensors in these vehicles to ensure that the passengers are comfortable.

Moreover, there are a total of eight propellers in the vehicle. Even if one of them fails, the other propellers will enable the vehicle to complete the trip. They will also ensure that the vehicle has a safe landing. In addition to this, if any component malfunctions, the fail-safe system ensures a safe landing at the nearest possible location. RTA conducted these safety tests in conjunction with the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority.

UBER FLYING CARS DUBAI

Flying Uber cars may also be one of the hottest new experiences in Dubai. It is no secret that Uber has been dabbling in the technology and safety infrastructure for passengers drones for some time now. Their ambitious project called Elevate features a fleet of aerial taxis and is also to be launched anytime soon in Dubai, possibly at Expo 2020. In other words, you may soon be able to book a Dubai flying taxi.

The technical term for these flying vehicles is “VTOL” which stands for ‘vertical take-off and landing’ functionality. It is not practical or environmentally friendly to create runways in urban spaces. So if flying cars are to become a reality, they must be capable of ascending and descending vertically.

POP.UP NEXT’S FUTURE MOBILITY CONCEPT

Car manufacturers and transport companies around the world are venturing into flying vehicles. And one such concept was also on display at 38th edition of the GITEX Technology Week in Dubai in October 2018. This two-seater unmanned flying electric vehicle is a collaborative project by Audi, Airbus and ItalDesign. It has also completed a successful test flight in Italy in November 2018.

Along with turning Dubai into one of the smartest cities in the world, the launch of these flying vehicles also has green implications. The AAV, for instance, is eco-friendly. Imagine the positive impact on the environment with lesser cars on the road.

Another step in this direction has been the introduction and popularity of EV cars in Dubai and other emirates.

On a side note, commuters will find a transportation option that doesn’t require a driver’s licence, fuel or Salik. Of course, you may still have to watch out for cops as Dubai Police has already tested flying motorbikes in 2018!

To sum up, be it architecture or entertainment, Dubai has a reputation for setting and breaking its own records. And it seems like the city has finally taken upon itself to show the world what flying in the sky driverless looks like.

The technology is there, we just have to wait and see when Dubai flying cars will be available for the public. Meanwhile, you can read all about RTA’s smart services in Dubai.

Apart from flying cars in Dubai 2020, there are several new projects in Dubai that will rapidly change the outlook of the city in the near future. Stay tuned to MyBayut to be updated about all the major developments in the UAE.