Tokyo Launches First Flying Car Test Flight Over Tokyo Bay

A flying car took to the skies over the Japanese capital for the first time, as reported by the Kyodo news agency. The historic test flight was conducted by the Japanese startup SkyDrive, in collaboration with Mitsubishi Estate and Kanematsu Corporation.

The aircraft used for the demonstration is the SD-05, an all-electric model featuring twelve rotors. Designed for autonomous flight, the vehicle can accommodate up to three passengers and is controlled remotely. Key performance details include:

• Range: 15 to 40 kilometers on a single charge.
• Test Altitude: 150 meters above Tokyo Bay.
• Flight Duration: Approximately three and a half minutes.

The "Vertiport" Experience
In addition to the flight, the company unveiled a specialized terminal for flight management and passenger services. The facility features:

• Automated check-in systems utilizing Face-ID technology.
• Dedicated security screening and boarding zones.
• Maintenance areas for flight operations.

Demonstration flights and terminal presentations are scheduled to continue through Saturday, with a commercial launch of the service planned for 2028.

The primary goal of this new transport mode is to alleviate urban road congestion. Tomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO of SkyDrive, highlighted that while the service will initially be premium, prices are expected to drop significantly by 2030, potentially becoming as affordable as a standard taxi.

"A flying car travels 4 to 5 times faster than a traditional taxi. This significant time-saving will justify the initial price difference, and after 2030, we aim to bring costs down to be competitive with ground transportation," said Fukuzawa.

The SD-05 was previously showcased at the World Expo in Osaka, marking a significant step forward for Japan’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry.