Two-Seater Flying Car Successfully Tests in Oita
The initial flight test of the manned flying car concluded without incident and ended on a positive note, according to Masc, the organization that coordinated the open-air demonstration in the town of Oita on Kyushu Island.
The aircraft resembles a quadcopter and is designed to carry two occupants. Functioning on a drone-like principle, the vehicle’s early test flights utilized an autopilot system that guided it along a pre-programmed route, demonstrating stable control and predictable behavior in flight patterns.
The execution of this test marks an important step for a project aiming to bring electric vertical takeoff and landing capabilities into a civilian setting. The team described how the autopilot managed the flight path, maintaining altitude and maneuvering through a controlled arc over the water before returning to a safe landing zone.
A note on the verification process: the flight occurred under supervised conditions to ensure safety parameters were met. The team reported that the system performed as expected, with consistent telemetry and responsive handling throughout the mission profile.
Subsequent trials are planned to advance the vehicle toward commercial demonstration and potential service-ready configurations, building confidence in the technology and its pilot training requirements. Observers expect further rounds of testing to refine takeoff and landing procedures, energy efficiency, and in-flight stability as the project progresses.
- The flight footage, captured during the test, is available for viewing on YouTube by interested observers.
Source: NHK