From Autoplane to SkyDrive

One hundred and three years ago what looked like a modified Ford Model T became the first flying car. Equipped with wings and a rear propeller, the Curtiss Autoplane was introduced in 1917 and could lift slightly off the ground but could never actually achieve full flight.

- Cesare de Villiers

Thirty years later, the Convair Model 118,, was introduced in the post-War era of aviation. The ConvAirCar, a two-seat car with detachable wings and tail, was aimed at mainstream consumers. The ‘vehicle/plane’ completed 66 test flights before the company lost its enthusiasm for building a flying car.

The SkyDrive SD-03, brainchild of a Japanese aviation company, has received backing by such technology giants as Toyota, Fujitsu, Panasonic and other high-tech firms. The aircraft completed its technical verification phase in March this year and is expected to achieve certification in Japan by 2023 by which time the company will start taking orders.

The plane is different from electrical vertical take off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which can only take off and land in fixed locations. On the SD-03, the pilot can land and drive away.

The idea of making a flying car first started in September 2012 with the start-up company named Cartivator which was comprised of volunteer automotive and aviation industry volunteers. In January 2014, Cartivator started developing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designs and had over 100 ideas.