Skai is a composite five-seater passenger aircraft built by an aeronautical mobile startup and co-designed by BMW's design team.
A Massachusetts startup has recently launched an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.
The Skai aircraft, primarily made of carbon fiber composites, developed by aeronautical mobile design and manufacturing company Alaka'i Technologies (Hopkinton, Mass., USA) is said to be the first eVTOL (flying car) powered entirely by hydrogen fuel cells .
Co-designed by BMW Group's design and innovation studio Designworks, Skai's design focuses on simplicity, safety and environmental sustainability. Other members of the development team include aerospace experts, engineers and pilots from NASA and other organizations.
It is claimed that Skai's hydrogen fuel cell is 95% reusable and 99% recyclable. It only emits heat and water, enabling Skai to travel longer distances (up to 4 hours, about 400 miles), and is more efficient than traditional fuel The system's aircraft carries a larger payload.
Alaka'i says it has launched a FAA-certified test program.
"Skai provides practical solutions for everything from easing traffic congestion to transporting supplies during natural disasters," said Brian Morrison, co-founder, president and chief technology officer of Alaka'i Technologies.
Skai will provide more affordable and practical applications in the commercial, private, freight and personal air transport markets. "
The aircraft is also equipped with six electric motors that can accommodate up to five passengers and can be autonomously driven in future versions.
Egg: This is not the first time BMW has participated in the design of navigable aircraft. BMW has been involved in the design of the interior of the Cirrus and ICON A5 light sport aircraft.
One more egg: As of now, Audi, Mercedes, Porsche and BMW have all participated in the design of eVTOL models to varying degrees