Maruti Suzuki‘s newest project, electric air copters, is about to take off into the sky as the company is preparing to launch small air taxis that can carry up to three people, including the pilot, as part of its mission to pioneer innovative transportation options.
As per the Economic Times Report, the initiative intends to launch first in the US and Japan before moving into the Indian market. The dynamics of urban transit are about to be redefined by the small air taxis, similar to ground-based ridesharing services like Uber and Ola.
Kento Ogura, Assistant Manager at Suzuki Motor, emphasised the necessity of cost for success in the Indian market, insisting that air copters be priced competitively with regular helicopters. With a take-off weight that is about half that of conventional helicopters, electric aircopters can launch and land on building rooftops.
Furthermore, the onset of electrification has dramatically lowered production and maintenance costs, making the enterprise commercially viable.
Maruti Suzuki’s Plan
The SkyDrive, which will have 12 engines and rotors, will make its premiere at Japan’s Osaka Expo in 2025. Following its debut, Maruti Suzuki plans to pursue potential consumers and form collaborations in India.
The three-passenger air taxi’s range, which was initially 15 kilometres, is anticipated to double by 2029 and reach 40 kilometres by 2031 in order to accommodate India’s large geographical area. Maruti Suzuki is evaluating opportunities for manufacturing in India and highlighting the possible cost savings and synergies connected with local production as part of regulatory negotiations with the government.
Although the exact timing for production in India is yet unknown, Ogura reiterated the company’s intention to participate in the ‘Make in India’ campaign by pointing to the favourable manufacturing environment in the nation. Maruti Suzuki is determined to transform urban air mobility and promote accessibility and affordability in India’s transport system, even as talks with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) advance.
How does it differ from a helicopter?
The air copter weighs 1.4 tonnes during takeoff, which is approximately half the weight of a conventional helicopter. Because of its modest weight, it can take off and land from building roofs. Electrification has decreased the number of aircraft parts dramatically, resulting in cheaper production and maintenance costs.
