Whenever flying cars take off, Uber wants to be ready
Uber Looking to the Skies with Flying Cars
Uber intends to make your morning commute much faster by developing a program that includes flying cars. To do so, Uber has hired a former NASA engineer, Mark Moore, as their director of engineering for aviation.
To be totally clear, Uber is not entering the flying car development race. Uber doesn’t have plans, that we know of, to build flying cars. By hiring Moore, they are committing to develop an infrastructure in which flying car technology can be used by their ride-hailing service.
What Do Flying Cars Really Look Like?
American company Terrafugia is in the midst of testing prototypes of vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (VTOL). The vehicles look like a compact car with fold-up wings and a tail. The Terrafugia Transition has been tested in flight since 2009. They could be available by as soon as 2019.
With a range of 400 miles and a top flying speed of 100 mph, the Terrafugia can trim the two-hour trek from San Francisco to San Jose down to 15 minutes. To be sure, this is one reason why Uber wants to work with flying cars.
Moore has written a white paper on electric-powered VTOLs and how they can change the future of transportation. His innovation and like-minded vision make him the right choice for Uber.
Why Is a NASA Engineer Necessary?
VTOL vehicles are riddled with questions, such as how they will be regulated and fit into the landscape – or skyscape – of traffic. Will drivers have to get a VTOL license? How does the FAA factor into the equation? Can there be a simpler name than Terrafugia?
All of these questions need to be answered before Uber’s flying car division, Uber Elevate, can take flight. Moore’s purpose is to build Uber’s business plan and answer every question that comes up before it becomes an obstacle.
Without a doubt, there will be challenges to development. Uber, or other entities, will need to develop vertiports – takeoff and landing locations – in areas they want to operate flying cars. And what is the demand for flights?
Would you be willing to take an air-based Uber ride? Do you see vertical takeoff and landing vehicles becoming a replacement for conventional vehicles or a supplement? Or, like the hoverboard, is it the technology of movies that will never become mainstream? Weigh in with your opinion!
