Buzz
At CES, Flynow unveils a concept for a personal electric helicopter, featuring a single electric motor. This aircraft is touted to be easily scalable and widespread due to its low cost and simple design. The core innovation they showcase comes from Schaeffler's new electric motor, a company with a 75-year history of pioneering motion technology, particularly in hybrid and electric solutions.Flynow employs a compact electric motor, allowing for versatile installation in various vertical take-off aircraft designs. With just one small and inexpensive motor, Flynow can carry one person with 120kg of luggage or deliver a 200kg payload, up to a maximum of 360kg. It boasts a top speed of 130km/h, a maximum altitude of 150m, and a range of approximately 50km.
Flynow's core value lies in Schaeffler's new compact electric motor technology, which is both lightweight and efficient. These are innovations that Schaeffler also applies to electric car motors to optimize energy usage, extend range, and enhance performance.
The motor is easy to install, compact yet highly efficient, with a strong emphasis on affordability. According to Flynow, their entire solution costs up to 10 times less than similar alternatives.
Flynow will precisely be called an eVTOL, meaning an electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) vehicle. This is a general definition set forth by EASA. They won't be referred to as small helicopters or unmanned aircraft, but rather with this new term, similar to Hyundai's Supenal eVTOL S-A1 model.
Flynow will be a versatile aircraft thanks to its autonomous capabilities. Even when not in use for personal transportation, it can serve as a versatile cargo carrier, albeit with specific operational zones required for such an aircraft.
The battery system is positioned directly below, although Flynow has yet to disclose specific battery specifications. This is understandable given their focus on their superior next-generation electric motor solution.
Flynow is one of many flying concepts, each targeting different goals. However, in a future scenario where aircraft are truly mass-deployed, they will likely resemble cars in their ability to cater to various segments, from affordable to premium, short-range to long-range.However, that's certainly a long way off because to operate an aircraft system, the most essential requirement is an 'airport,' meaning a landing strip or at least a place to park this aircraft. Alternatively, you could set up a flight path from home to work and then have the aircraft fly back autonomously, but it's crucial that your workplace has a landing area. Therefore, personal flying vehicles are still a distant prospect, but we should pay attention because who knows, they might arrive in a surprising way.
