A Chennai-based startup has introduced the concept model of a hybrid flying car. The model of the flying car was reviewed by Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Monday.
Taking to Twitter, Jyotiraditya Scindia said that he was delighted to have been introduced to the concept model which would soon become "Asia's first hybrid flying car".
"Once this takes off, flying cars would be used for transporting people & cargo, as well as for providing medical emergency services. My best wishes to the team", tweeted Jyotiraditya Scindia.
The hybrid car model, Vinata, has been developed by Vinata Aeromobility. The startup's CEO Yogesh Iyer said the name was chosen after deep research and it means 'mother of all birds'.
"Vinata comes from ancient myth. We are working with the a flying car so we researched a lot and decided with Vinata which means mother of birds, to be precise, Garuda's mother", Yogesh Iyer said.
The flying car concept is expected to turn into a prototype within the next two years. As for specifications, the flying car will have eight coaxial rotors and a hybrid motor running on biofuel and battery.
The kerb weight is estimated to be 900 kilos with a load capacity of 250 kilos, traveling at 120km/hr speed for 60 minutes.
"This is going to be a two seater and will run on biofuel with VTOL (Verticial takeoff and landing) capability. You can land it anywhere and take-off", said Yogesh Iyer.
Yogesh also stated that the recent drone policies of 2021 was very encouraging which can make India a drone hub.
"We wanted our product to be symbol of Make In India and that's why decided that our Civil Aviation Minister should unveil it before showing it to the world", said Yogesh.
Yogesh Iyer also stated that post the Helitech Expo, process would begin to manufacture the prototype and test run would begin by 2023.