SOUTH KOREA'S 7-SEAT AIR TAXIS
Plana's High Speed & Long Range eVTOLs
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Target: Intercity Travel
South Korean startup Plana is developing a 7-seat hybrid-electric, vertical takeoff and landing vehicle (eVTOL) for intercity, regional commuter flights. The company, founded by the executive who ran Hyundai's early eVTOL operations, plans to put their flying taxis into service in 2028. The technology is specifically designed for longer haul, intercity flights such as Boston to New York City. The vehicle has a 350-mile range on a charge and can travel at speeds up to 217 mph. Thus far, the company has raised nearly $10 million in investment funding.
Tech Specs
The design of Plana's flying taxi is unique. The fuselage is long and thin and flows into an upper main wing. The eVTOL is powered and propelled by 6, five-blade tilting electric propellers. There also is a canard, which is a small winglike projection attached in front of the main wing to provide extra stability and control. Two electric props are attached to the canard. Two more are attached to the ends of the main wing. And another two are situated at the back of the eVTOL. The rear propellers tilt down for vertical takeoff and landings. The rest tilt upward for cruise mode. This vehicle is larger than most air taxis that we've reported on and some aviation experts think there could be an issue for it being able to operate from standard vertiports. However, a number of other aviation experts think this flying taxi prototype is a great candidate for regional air commuting and could have a unique role in the future of travel. For more news stories like this, Future Travel Vehicles
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