Flying Cars Take Off: Skydrive Announces Consumer Pre-Orders

Flying Cars Taking Off- Skydrive announces consumer pre-orders for their SD-05 VTOL

This article published in collaboration with JUIDA, the Japan UAS Industrial Development Association.

by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian J. McNabb

Skydrive, a Tokyo-based developer of eVTOL systems and cargo drones, recently launched a pre-order consumer campaign for its latest design, the SD-05. Described as a “flying car”, the SD-05 is an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL)  two-seater (one pilot, one passenger) with electronic pilot-assist features and a maximum speed of 62 mph (100 km/h) designed for urban mobility. Commercial sales began last year of the iF Design Award-winning product, with up to 100 units sold to Vietnam-based sustainable investment firm, Pacific Group. A pilot’s license is required to operate the SD-05, but the company’s long-term timeline highlights future autonomous operation as a key technological development.

In a statement, Skydrive CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa said, “Since we unveiled the design of our SD-05 in September 2022, we have received numerous inquiries, not only from companies but also from private individuals. As we aim to create a future where everyone has access to eVTOLs as their daily transportation, we understand that it is important that we have an option for individuals to own their aircraft… We will develop fully automated aircraft in the future and further promote the realization of a society where everyone utilizes the sky for daily transportation.”

The first order went to venture capitalist Kotaro Chiba, who was an early investor through his DRONE FUND. Fundraising has continued- last year, Skydrive raised over 66 million USD in seed funding in a Series C round, highlighting the commercial appeal (read more). Skydrive has made other moves towards expansion recently, announcing a new North American division, headquartered in South Carolina, that will seek to market their designs in the US in the mobility space.

While pre orders have begun, don’t look up for the SD-05 quite yet. The goal of the company is to have the product completed and ready for full release by the 2025 Kansai Expo, where they also hope to begin air taxi services in and around Osaka, who signed a collaboration agreement with Skydrive in 2021 to make flying cars a reality.