Flying cars have ceased to be simply a science fiction dream and have become a tangible possibility. For decades, we have seen cars take to the skies only on the screen, starring in futuristic scenes that seemed unattainable. However, today, technological advances are bringing this collective imagination closer to reality with prototypes that defy the laws of gravity and successful tests that demonstrate the viability of personal air mobility.
One of these innovative initiatives is led by the American company Pivotal, which has successfully developed an eVTOL (vertical take-off and landing vehicle) known as Helix. This revolutionary means of transportation has been specially designed to comply with current regulations in the United States.
The US Federal Aviation Administration legally considers it an ultralight, so its driver does not need a pilot's title to use it, something that, for example, is not possible in Spain, where the relevant license is required.
The Helix is presented as a single-seat eVTOL with a horizontal H-shaped configuration, equipped with four propellers on each of its sides. Standing out for its flight range of 32 kilometers and its ability to reach speeds of up to 106 km/h, this innovative aerial vehicle is designed to fly over unpopulated areas and distant from airports, in compliance with current regulations on ultralights.
One of the main characteristics of the Helix is that it is a detachable vehicle. It can be transported comfortably in a car trailer and its assembly to start the flight requires only about 30 minutes, and it can take off from any point by rising vertically.
This innovative flying car is made of carbon fiber to reduce its weight, which is just 157 kg. The lightness of the vehicle entails certain restrictions for the pilot, limiting his weight to a maximum of 100 kg and his height to 1.82 m. Additionally, you are required to complete an initial flight training course with restrictive flight software.
Regarding its dimensions, the eVTOL measures approximately 4 m long, 4 m wide and 1.60 m high. It can be disassembled so that it can be transported on a vehicle trailer and used at any time, as long as it does not fly over populated areas and is used during the day.
This electric vertical climbing vehicle has a range of approximately 32 kilometers provided by an 8 kWh capacity battery. Thanks to its fast charging capacity, the Helix manages to completely recharge its battery from 20% in 75 minutes. In terms of flight conditions, the vehicle's technical data sheet states that it can fly with winds of up to 32 km/h, reaching a maximum speed of 106 km/h.
As with other vehicles of these characteristics, the control of the Helix is carried out using a joystick that operates the electrical controls of the aircraft, made up of a total of 8 propellers designed in such a way to allow flight if one of them is out of service.
The first units of the Helix will be available for sale starting in June. According to the information provided by Pivotal on its website, the vehicle comes in three different versions. The most affordable option has a price of 173,600 euros, while the most advanced and complete version reaches 237,600 euros.
