eCopter from FlyNow

[sanman]

I saw some videos about the eCopter, which is a small person-sized helicopter being developed by a company called FlyNow for use as a small passenger shuttle and also small cargo shuttle. It's supposed to be relatively short range, since it's electric. But it seems meant to be used as a short-distance shuttle in what would likely be an urban environment. Its development is apparently being funded by Saudi Arabia for some Expo event which will happen in 2030. But I'm wondering how viable the concept is and whether there's a viable market for it?

 

[WaspAir]

Mount 3 handles on each side for the pallbearers, snd you will have an efficient design.

 

[sanman]

Mount 3 handles on each side for the pallbearers, snd you will have an efficient design.

Do you think it could be developed as a cargo shuttle system?

I should have mentioned that eCopters are intended to fly along pre-designated flight paths, and not to be piloted from onboard.

 

[WaspAir]

Perhaps, but I have doubts about market demand for cargo use. People will go to extremes to save time in their own travel, but that's less clearly so for goods.

 

[Doug Riley]

I'm not skilled at distinguishing between digital animation (a.k.a. fake video) and real-world imagery. But, to my untrained eyes, a lot of the promo video appears to be animated --as is the case with so much of the promo material for gee-whiz new flying gadgets.

Often a real prototype is not spotlessly shiny, but a bit greasy and used-looking. "Wrinkles in the Ductape" can be sign of honesty.

 

[Brian Jackson]

I know Dennis Fetters is working on project(s) for a Saudi company, and was recruiting talent a few years ago to move there. I'm curious if this is part of that endeavor.