12 March 2024
When an established manufacturer of cars (and motorcycles) with worldwide sales takes on an eVTOL aircraft project, it’s possibly time to start taking these things seriously.
Suzuki Motor Corporation has started production of the SkyDrive SD-05 electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft (eVTOL) at its manufacturing plant in Iwata-city, Shizuoka, Japan.
Sky Works Inc, which developed the SkyDrive, said, rather modestly, “This marks a significant milestone in SkyDrive’s mission to revolutionize urban air mobility.”
Up to 100 SkyDrive eVTOLs a year can be produced using the current facilities. The images released show a helicopter-like aircraft that bears a passing resemblance to the Volocopter eVTOL.
Multi overhead rotors, electric power, small cabin… more than a tinge of Volocopter about the SkyDrive
The SD-05 does not appear to be a flying car with road driving capability though early prototypes from Sky Works did go down that route.
Tomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO of SkyDrive, said, “Partnering with Suzuki, a renowned automotive manufacturer, is a momentous occasion for SkyDrive. It is the beginning of a new phase.
“We share a goal of quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, making them an ideal partner in our quest to revolutionize urban air mobility.”
Cheesy factory pic! The first riveting ceremony took place on 6 March 2024, attended by Toshihiro Suzuki, President of Suzuki
SkyDrive plans to operate SkyDrive at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, showcasing the potential of eVTOL technology to the world.
