法人別リリース

SkyDrive Reaches Basic Agreement with Suzuki to Build eVTOL Aircraft,

SkyDrive — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 15:00:00 +0900

PARIS and TOYOTA, Japan, June 20, 2023 /Kyodo JBN/ --
SkyDrive Inc.
SkyDrive Reaches Basic Agreement with Suzuki to Build eVTOL Aircraft, Aiming to Start Operation in Spring 2024 by Utilizing Suzuki Group's Plant

SkyDrive Inc. (hereinafter "SkyDrive"), a leading Japanese eVTOL aircraft (*1) manufacturer headquartered in Toyota City, Japan, announced at Paris Air Show 2023 on June 19 that the company had signed a basic agreement with Suzuki Motor Corporation (hereinafter "Suzuki") for cooperation in manufacturing "SKYDRIVE" eVTOL aircraft (*2).

Logos:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M105850/202306166391/_prw_PI1fl_U99Vm2eA.png?_ga=2.266065487.1997240702.1686531031-1438572707.1685531252

Image1: From left, Hidetoshi Kumashiro (Managing Officer and Executive General Manager, Suzuki) and Tomohiro Fukuzawa (CEO, SkyDrive)
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M105850/202306166391/_prw_PI2fl_UjP0x874.jpg?_ga=2.266065487.1997240702.1686531031-1438572707.1685531252

SkyDrive will establish a wholly owned subsidiary (hereinafter "the manufacturing subsidiary") for the purpose of manufacturing its eVTOL aircraft "SKYDRIVE." With Suzuki, the manufacturing subsidiary will utilize a production facility owned by the Suzuki Group in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, and aims to start building the SkyDrive "SKYDRIVE" eVTOL aircraft by spring of 2024. Suzuki will also cooperate with the manufacturing subsidiary in securing human resources and making other preparations for the start of manufacturing. More specific terms and conditions will be agreed upon through ongoing discussions.

The "SKYDRIVE" eVTOL aircraft, to be built at Suzuki’s production facility, is a three-seat, electric-powered lightweight aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities.

Image2: "SKYDRIVE" eVTOL
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M105850/202306166391/_prw_PI3fl_M6w4m5c8.jpg?_ga=2.266065487.1997240702.1686531031-1438572707.1685531252

Image3: "SKYDRIVE" Interior
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M105850/202306166391/_prw_PI4fl_1HLamGBC.jpg?_ga=2.266065487.1997240702.1686531031-1438572707.1685531252

Comment by Toshihiro Suzuki, Suzuki Motor Corporation President
"We are excited to cooperate with SkyDrive as we ambitiously work towards creating valuable products that contribute to the realization of a world where people use the sky for their daily transportation."

Comment by Tomohiro Fukuzawa, SkyDrive Inc. CEO
"At Suzuki, all manufacturing activities are based on a concept, 'Smaller, Fewer, Lighter, Shorter, and Neater,' and SkyDrive is developing lightweight air mobilities. Suzuki and SkyDrive have been collaborating since March 2022 and we are very excited that SkyDrive will utilize the production facility of Suzuki to build our eVTOL 'SKYDRIVE.' In our pursuit to consistently manufacture safe and high-quality aircraft for the world, we are grateful for the valuable know-how we will learn from Suzuki, a global leader in automobile mass production. Suzuki and SkyDrive will work closely towards the shared goal."

About SkyDrive Inc.
SkyDrive was formally established in July 2018 after testing flying car concepts and prototypes from 2014 with the mission of "taking the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution." Its vision is to create a future where everyone has access to eVTOLs as their daily transportation in Japan and across the world. The company succeeded in the first crewed flight test in Japan in 2019 and its eVTOL "SKYDRIVE" is in the process of acquiring its Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) certification. SkyDrive has been selected as a company to participate in the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) project at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. SkyDrive is headquartered in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture. Tomohiro Fukuzawa is the CEO of the company.
For more information, please visit: https://en.skydrive2020.com/

About Suzuki Motor Corporation
Suzuki Motor Corporation is one of Japan’s leading carmakers and a global motorcycle manufacturer. The company’s non-vehicle products include outboard motors for boats and motorized wheelchairs. It builds its lineup on its own and through numerous subsidiaries and joint ventures outside Japan. Suzuki, established in 1920, is headquartered in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture. Toshihiro Suzuki is the President of the company.
For more information, please visit: https://www.globalsuzuki.com

Editor's note:
(*1) eVTOL is short for electric vertical takeoff and landing. eVTOL aircraft are characterized by electrification, a fully autonomous autopilot, and vertical takeoff and landing. It is also called Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) or Urban Air Mobility (UAM).

The above information is sourced from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT):
https://www.mlit.go.jp/common/001598463.pdf (dated March 2023, in Japanese)

(*2) Related Press Release: https://en.skydrive2020.com/archives/9455

SkyDrive Unveils SD-05 Flying Car Design, Aiming to Begin Air Taxi Service in 2025

SkyDrive — Fri, 30 Sep 2022 16:00:00 +0900

TOYOTA, Japan, Sept. 30, 2022 /Kyodo JBN/ --
SkyDrive Inc.
SkyDrive Inc. has unveiled the design of its commercial model flying car -- the SkyDrive SD-05. SkyDrive is planning to use the SD-05, currently in development, to launch air taxi service in the Osaka Bay area during the world exposition scheduled for 2025 in Osaka, Japan.

“This is another big step towards the realization of flying cars and sky roads,” said Takumi Yamamoto, SkyDrive design director. “Two years have passed since the announcement of the SD-03, which successfully completed its public manned flight test in August 2020, and we are very happy to be able to announce its successor, the SD-05.”

Headquartered in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, SkyDrive is a leading developer and manufacturer of flying cars (*1) and cargo drones in Japan.

Image1: Exterior of the SD-05, currently in development
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M105850/202209267185/_prw_PI5fl_to2kn1db.jpg

Video of the SD-05 Commercial Model
Title: SkyDrive SD-05: Zero Emission Flying Vehicle
URL: https://youtu.be/36tDLW-mFiU

SD-05 Overview
The SD-05 is a two-seat, electric-powered compact aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. Operated by a driver-pilot, its flight stability is secured with the assistance of a computer-controlled flight system. SkyDrive is developing flying cars with an eye toward realizing a world where they are used in daily life for air mobility much as automobiles are used for daily ground transportation.

“This vehicle is not just a simple means of traveling from point A to B,” Yamamoto said. “Based on the design concept of ‘giving wings to daily travel,’ it’s also a safer and more enjoyable travel partner.”

SkyDrive is in the process of acquiring a type certificate (*2) for the SD-05 from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), as the first of its kind in Japan. The company continues to work toward initiating practical use of flying cars during the World Exposition Osaka, Kansai, scheduled for 2025 in Japan. The SD-05 is designed to travel up to approx. 10 km and the maximum cruise speed is 100 km/h. However, design and specifications are subject to change and the progress of design development.

Potential applications for SD-05 are currently under consideration, including short-cut transportation through the sky, a unique access to resort facilities, and emergency medical services.

“SkyDrive will continue to design the dreams of the future with the aim of realizing sky roads,” said Yamamoto. SkyDrive is also moving to promote its business operations not only in Japan but also outside the country. In the U.S., for example, the company set up an office in September 2022, for the purpose of providing a means of “last mile” air transportation. The company has been developing the market jointly with local authorities and partner companies.

Exterior Design of SD-05
As with SkyDrive’s single-seat SD-03 manned prototype aircraft, “progressive” (pioneering and advanced) is the term used to describe the design of the SD-05, which SkyDrive believes is an appropriate descriptor for a new genre of transportation. Viewing the fuselage, or body, of the aircraft from the side, an S-shaped contour suggests a pair of propellers lifting off into the sky. Looking down on the craft from above, viewers see the shape of a pearl-white swallow, a small but agile bird able to soar to great heights.

Image2: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M105850/202209267185/_prw_PI6fl_6XF2f9o3.jpg

The aerodynamically advanced airframe design is informed by studies of the streamlined shapes of birds and animals and features both horizontal and vertical tails for added stability in flight. At the top corners of the airframe, 12 motor-propeller units are positioned for flight stability. These reflect flight control technology acquired through more than 1,000 flight tests conducted during development of the airframe.

For the SD-05, specialists from SkyDrive and its partners have worked together in collaboration with JAMCO Corporation (*3), an aircraft interior maker; Toray Carbon Magic Co., Ltd. (*4), a provider of advanced Carbon Fiber Reinforcement Plastics (CFRP); and Electric Power Systems, Inc. (*5), a leading developer of battery systems that include high-power powertrains for electrified aircraft that are eligible for type certification.

With its mission to lead a once-in-a-century mobility revolution, SkyDrive is developing safer, more secure flying cars through development and repeated demonstration tests of the SD-05 commercial model, leading to a future where air transportation is part of daily life.

“We look forward to seeing everyone at the Osaka Expo in 2025,” design director Yamamoto said.

Image3: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M105850/202209267185/_prw_PI3fl_7710DNlZ.jpg

Image4:
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M105850/202209267185/_prw_PI4fl_98ccIudu.jpg

Notes:
(*1) Flying cars, called generally eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft outside Japan, are characterized by electrification, a fully autonomous autopilot, and vertical takeoff and landing. A new advancement in the field of mobility, the development of flying cars is being promoted globally. In Japan, the Public-Private Council for Air Mobility Revolution was established in 2018 for that purpose. The project is expected to lead to taxi services in urban areas, new means of transportation for remote islands and mountainous areas, and emergency transport in times of disaster. A roadmap formulated by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the MLIT anticipates the start of business in the mid-2020s.

(*2) SkyDrive Press Release on agreement on basis for flying car type certification with MLIT
https://en.skydrive2020.com/archives/6379

(*3) SkyDrive Press Release on collaboration with JAMCO Corporation (Only available in Japanese)
https://skydrive2020.com/archives/9549

(*4) SkyDrive Press Release on collaboration with Toray Carbon Magic Co., Ltd.
https://en.skydrive2020.com/archives/6424

(*5) SkyDrive Press Release on collaboration with Electric Power Systems, Inc.
https://en.skydrive2020.com/archives/6429

About SkyDrive Inc.: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202209267185-O1-P01369p5.pdf

To learn about fundraising for the project, visit: https://en.skydrive2020.com/archives/7416

For more information, visit: https://en.skydrive2020.com/

Electric Power Systems of U.S. Selected as Provider of EPiC Battery System for Aircraft,,,

SkyDrive — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 15:00:00 +0900

TOYOTA, Japan, July 27, 2022 /Kyodo JBN/ --
SkyDrive Inc.
Electric Power Systems of U.S. Selected as Provider of EPiC Battery System
for Aircraft Production: SkyDrive

SkyDrive Inc. (hereinafter "SkyDrive"), a Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan-based developer of "flying cars" (*1) and "cargo drones," is pleased to announce that it has selected Electric Power Systems, Inc. (hereinafter "EP Systems") headquartered in North Logan in the U.S. state of Utah, a leading provider of high-power scalable powertrains that are certifiable for electrified aviation, as a partner to design, develop, and manufacture battery system of "SD-05."

Company logos: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M105850/202207193990/_prw_PI1fl_1S87d92g.jpg

Background
With the mission of "leading the once-in-a-century mobility revolution," SkyDrive is developing flying cars to realize a future that utilizes the sky for daily transportation. In 2025, it aims to enter into service in the Osaka Bay Area using the flying car of the SkyDrive Type SD-05, a two-seater vehicle for which SkyDrive is currently applying for type certification.

A high-power battery system plays a critical role in the development of the two-seater SD-05. EP Systems has numerous battery systems currently powering customer flight demonstrator vehicles such as NASA X-57, Aurora Flight Sciences Pegasus, and many other aircraft manufacturers. EP Systems is currently in partnership with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to certify batteries for general aviation aircraft and will complete its first Technical Standard Order (TSO) (*2) in 2023.

EP Systems is a leading provider of high-power scalable powertrains that are certifiable for electrified aviation. It develops energy storage systems, DC fast-charging stations, and electric propulsion products for the aerospace, defense, automotive, marine, and industrial traction industries.

Boeing and Safran invested in EP Systems in 2019 and in 2021 to complete development and certify their EPiC battery system for high-volume manufacturing. EP Systems’ current and publicly announced customers include the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the FAA as well as Boeing, Safran, Bell Textron, Embraer, and Diamond Aircraft.

SkyDrive has selected the EPiC battery system, which includes battery modules and a battery management system, and which is safe for handling the disconnect box for SD-05 aircraft, with the target of launching its service using flying cars in the Osaka Bay Area in 2025.

Comments from the companies
Nathan Millecam, CEO, Electric Power Systems, Inc.
"We couldn't be more excited to be a part of SkyDrive’s plans for the future of flight and looking forward to collaborating with the team."

Tomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO, Representative Director and President, SkyDrive Inc.
"EP Systems is our ideal partner for this essential element of our two-seater aircraft SD-05. They are very focused and committed to develop performing and reliable battery systems. With their excellent support to define the best solution for our customers, we will continue to develop our aircraft."

Company profiles: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202207193990-O1-ML9p15j4.pdf

Editor’s note:
(*1) Flying cars, formally eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft, are characterized by electrification, a fully autonomous autopilot, and vertical takeoff and landing. A new advancement in the field of mobility, the development of flying cars is being promoted globally. In Japan, the Public-Private Council for Air Mobility Revolution was established in 2018 for that purpose. The project is expected to lead to taxi services in urban areas, new means of transportation for remote islands and mountainous areas, and emergency transport in times of disaster. A roadmap formulated by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) anticipates the start of business in 2023 and full-scale deployment in 2030.

(*2) Technical Standard Order (TSO): A TSO is a minimum performance standard for specified materials, parts, and appliances used on civil aircraft. When authorized to manufacture a material, part, or appliance to a TSO standard, this is referred to as TSO authorization. Receiving TSO authorization is both design and production approval.
https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/air_cert/design_approvals/tso

SkyDrive Makes Progress toward Acquiring Type Certification with Development of Composite...

SkyDrive — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 15:00:00 +0900

TOYOTA, Japan, July 26, 2022 /Kyodo JBN/ --
SkyDrive Inc.
SkyDrive Makes Progress toward Acquiring Type Certification with Development of Composite Vehicle’s Structure by Toray Carbon Magic, and Starting Material Conformity Testing

SkyDrive Inc. (hereinafter "SkyDrive"), a developer of "flying cars" (*1) and "cargo drones" headquartered in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, has partnered with Toray Carbon Magic Co., Ltd. (hereinafter "TCM"), based in Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture, and providing advanced carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) products for the automotive, aerospace and other industries, to develop a composite vehicle’s structure together. The two partners started with material conformity testing.

Company logos: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M105850/202207193989/_prw_PI1fl_367r9r98.jpg

Background of development
With the mission of "leading the once-in-a-century mobility revolution," SkyDrive is developing flying cars to realize a future that utilizes the sky for daily transportation. In 2025, it aims to enter into service in the Osaka Bay Area using the flying car of the SkyDrive Type "SD-05," a two-seater vehicle for which SkyDrive is currently pursuing type certification.

The most important factor in the development of the two-seater SD-05 is to reduce the weight of the vehicle. TCM's design and manufacturing technologies and facilities are extremely effective in achieving this goal, and the pair have been engaged in discussions and prototypes of a light and strong CFRP structure for flying cars.

CFRP is a resin base material to which carbon fiber is added as a reinforcing material. In addition to high rigidity and high strength, carbon fiber also has features such as electrical conductivity, heat resistance, low thermal expansion coefficient, self-lubricity, and X-ray permeability. By taking advantage of these features, it is expected to make products lighter, larger, smaller, and more energy-efficient, and is widely used in a variety of applications.

TCM's design technology, prototype proposal capabilities, and high-precision autoclave production technology, cultivated through the design and manufacture of racing car parts, are highly recognized by the market, and the company currently produces many CFRP parts not only for automotive applications but also in a wide range of other fields.

SkyDrive will proceed, together with TCM, with material conformity testing, acquire type certification (*2), and promote development with the target of launching air taxi services in the Osaka Bay Area in 2025.

Comments from the companies
Akiyoshi Oku, CEO, President and Representative Director, Toray Carbon Magic Co., Ltd.
"We are delighted that our lightweight and aerodynamic technologies cultivated in the development of racing cars will be utilized in developing the flying car. We will continue to work proactively on the development of elemental technologies required for flying the vehicle, and together with SkyDrive, we will strive to contribute to the future society. "

Tomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO, President and Representative Director, SkyDrive Inc.
"Toray Carbon Magic's advanced carbon fiber-reinforced plastic is an essential element of our two-seater aircraft SD-05. Starting with this material compatibility testing, we will continue to work closely together to promote the development of a light and strong flying car airframe structure, with the aim of realizing an air mobility society."

Company profiles: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202207193989-O1-DJk9G5J0.pdf

Editor’s note:
(*1) Flying cars, formally eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft, are characterized by electrification, a fully autonomous autopilot, and vertical takeoff and landing. A new advancement in the field of mobility, the development of flying cars is being promoted globally. In Japan, the Public-Private Council for Air Mobility Revolution was established in 2018 for that purpose. The project is expected to lead to taxi services in urban areas, new means of transportation for remote islands and mountainous areas, and emergency transport in times of disaster. A roadmap formulated by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) anticipates the start of business in 2023 and full-scale deployment in 2030.

(*2) Certificate issued by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) in accordance with the Civil Aeronautics Law, certifying that the design, structure, strength, and performance of each type of newly developed aircraft comply with the prescribed safety and environmental standards.

Press release regarding SkyDrive's certification activities:
https://en.skydrive2020.com/archives/6379

SkyDrive and Suzuki to Collaborate on Business and Technology of Flying Cars

SkyDrive — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 15:00:00 +0900

TOYOTA and HAMAMATSU, Japan, Mar. 25, 2022 /Kyodo JBN/ --
SkyDrive Inc., Suzuki Motor Corporation
- Start Consideration of Development and Production of Flying Cars,
and Market Development in India -

SkyDrive Inc. (hereinafter "SkyDrive") and Suzuki Motor Corporation (hereinafter "Suzuki") jointly announced on March 22 a partnership for the commercialization of flying cars (*).

SkyDrive is a leading manufacturer of flying cars in Japan and is currently engaged in the development of a compact, two-seater electric-powered flying car with plans for full-scale production.

Suzuki is one of Japan’s leading automakers with expertise that includes manufacturing and selling compact cars in international markets.

Under the terms of the agreement, SkyDrive and Suzuki will start consideration to collaborate in areas of business and technology that include technology R&D, planning of manufacturing and mass-production systems, development of overseas markets with an initial focus on India, and promotion of efforts to attain carbon neutrality.

SkyDrive aims to begin air taxi service during the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka, Japan, as well as to initiate service in other regions of Japan.

Suzuki, which has the company motto "Develop products of superior value by focusing on the customer," currently offers products in three mobility categories -- automobiles, motorcycles, and outboard motors. The company aims to remain indispensable to people by staying closely attuned to their lives and providing mobility. The partnership with SkyDrive will provide Suzuki with opportunities to explore and potentially add flying cars as a fourth mobility business.

About SkyDrive Inc.
SkyDrive was established in July 2018 with the mission of "leading a once-in-a-century mobility revolution." Since then, it has advanced the development of flying cars and cargo drones while working in partnership with others to promote the shared vision of a future in which people use air mobility as a means of transportation in their daily lives. SkyDrive is the only company in Japan that has successfully conducted manned test flights and is now involved in designing a system for future air mobility as a member of Japan’s public-private council for advanced air mobility. The company’s cargo drones, which can carry payloads of up to 30kg, are already being used at worksites in Japan, mainly in mountainous areas. SkyDrive is aiming to launch a flying car service in the Osaka Bay area in 2025. SkyDrive has headquarters in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Tomohiro Fukuzawa is CEO of the company.

For more information, please visit: https://en.skydrive2020.com/

About Suzuki Motor Corporation
Suzuki Motor Corporation is one of Japan’s leading carmakers and a global motorcycle manufacturer. The company’s non-vehicle products include outboard motors for boats and motorized wheelchairs. It builds its lineup on its own and through numerous subsidiaries and joint ventures outside Japan. Suzuki was established in 1920 and has headquarters in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka. Toshihiro Suzuki is President of the company.

Website: https://www.globalsuzuki.com/

Editor’s Note:
(*) Flying cars are formally known as eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft. eVTOL is characterized by electrification, a fully autonomous autopilot, and vertical takeoff and landing. As a new advancement in the field of mobility, the development of flying cars is being promoted in many countries around the world. In Japan, the Public-Private Council for Air Mobility Revolution was established in 2018 with meetings held since then. The project is expected to lead to taxi services in urban areas, new means of transportation for remote islands and mountainous areas, and emergency transportation in times of disaster. A roadmap has been formulated by the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT) for the start of business in 2023 and full-scale deployment in 2030.

SkyDrive Unveils Ultra-compact Emission-free Flying Vehicle at CES 2022

SkyDrive — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 15:00:00 +0900

LAS VEGAS, Nevada and TOKYO, Jan. 6, 2022 /Kyodo JBN/ --
SkyDrive Inc.
At CES (R) 2022 (Jan. 5-7), SkyDrive -- a Tokyo-based aero tech startup -- unveiled its ultra-light and compact flying vehicle, Model SD-03, that had completed testing for piloted flight. It is the first time for the company to showcase its full-scale SD-03 in countries other than Japan.

People from around the world taking the pilot seat of full-scale SD-03:
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/release/202112235440?p=images

SkyDrive’s flying car is designed to vertically take off and land with superb stability and this emission-free electric vehicle enables fast and safe door-to-door transportation anywhere, including uses for emergency rescue. Model SD-05 is currently under development and eyed as an air taxi for World Expo 2025 in Osaka. SkyDrive recently advanced toward commercialization with the Japanese transportation ministry’s acceptance of its type certificate application for SD-05 -- a major milestone that no other flying vehicle developers have reached in Japan.

“The SD-03 model is the culmination of our expertise in drone technologies and aerodynamic engineering. What we want to see in the future is that SkyDrive’s emission-free vehicles take off from and land in your parking lot and helipads atop buildings, making door-to-door air travel a realistic choice of daily urban transportation,” SkyDrive Chief Operating Officer Takehiro Sato said. “We are working harder and faster than ever to make this once-in-a-century mobility revolution a reality.”

SkyDrive exhibits:
Jan. 3: SD-03 miniature model at CES Unveiled (Mandalay Bay Level 2)
Jan. 5-7: Full-scale SD-03 for people to climb aboard at J-Startup Pavilion (Eureka Park)

Photos and videos at CES 2022:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NJFPIV95KVElPoARKOFnzP3LgUJuFvA_

SD-03 Specifications:
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202112235440-O1-HHlFPWv4.pdf

About SkyDrive Inc.
SkyDrive was established in July 2018 with the mission of “Leading a once-in-a-century mobility revolution.” Since then, it has been furthering its development of flying cars and cargo drones and working in partnership with others to promote the shared vision of a future world where people can use air mobility as a means of transportation in their daily lives.

About CES
CES is one of the world’s largest technology trade shows that takes place annually in Las Vegas. CES 2021 made history by bringing together more than 2,000 companies, including 700 startups online -- a scale unheard of for all-digital events. CES will return to Las Vegas in 2022 while also holding digital exhibitions. At CES 2020 held prior to the new coronavirus pandemic, 4,600 companies showcased 20,000 new products and services.

SkyDrive Launches Test Flights of First-ever Cargo Drone That Will Boost Productivity in Hard-to-...

SkyDrive — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 16:00:00 +0900

TOKYO, Dec. 19, 2019 /Kyodo JBN/ --
SkyDrive Inc.
SkyDrive Inc., a leading flying-car developer, has successfully launched test flights of a cargo drone which could revolutionize the way heavy goods are transported and speed up the movement of equipment in remote locations. The first operational testing took place earlier this month (December) in Toyota City, Japan. It was carried out to test the technology by moving heavy equipment in remote locations. Additional testing will be carried out later in the month.

This new technology has been tested with a load capacity of 30kg--utilizing SkyDrive’s world-leading aircraft development technology to achieve high safety standards. There is the potential to develop this further and achieve greater capacity loads of up to 50kg and 80kg, according to demand. The cargo drone also has the potential to change the way products are moved from manufacturers to warehouses and onto depots.

SkyDrive Chief Executive Tomohiro Fukuzawa said:
“We are delighted to successfully test this world-leading technology. Our cargo drone has proven to deliver by safely lifting loads of up to 20kg in a mountainous area--saving time and money. "We look forward to expanding on this success by testing heavier loads for customers in the future. Our quest is to create cutting-edge technology that will improve the productivity of businesses across the world--and today we celebrate a key milestone in making that happen.”

Note:
SkyDrive is developing the cargo drone for use in industries that carry heavy materials on complex terrain such as slopes, mountain valleys, overpasses, power transmission towers, civil engineering/construction sites, agricultural fields, etc. Usage of cargo drones will help avoid dangerous works, save personnel and shorten the term of works. So SkyDrive can contribute to responding to labor shortages and improving Japan’s labor productivity sagging due to its declining population.

Cargo drone technical details:
Can be used by companies for transporting materials to hard-to-reach places such as slopes, mountain valleys, overpasses and sites of steel tower maintenance.
Basic specifications:
-Total length 1.3m x total width 1.7m x total height 1.0m
-Recommended payload: 30kg
-Flight speed: 40km/h
-Flight time: 15min.
-Winch mechanism to move up and down without landing

Further information can be found here:
https://en-skydrive.amebaownd.com/pages/3450667/drone

Images: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/release/201912164791?p=images
Video: https://youtu.be/OdNIJJ1KcWA

About SkyDrive Inc.
-Established: July 2018
-President: Tomohiro Fukuzawa
-URL: https://www.skydrive.co.jp/
-Address:
Tokyo office: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Toyota test field: Asuke-chiku, Toyota-shi, Aichi Pref.
Toyota R&D Center: SENTAN, Koromo-machi 2-1-1, Toyota-shi, Aichi Pref.
Flight Test Port: Mifune-cho, Toyota-shi, Aichi Pref.

Business: SkyDrive is a start-up to develop flying cars and contribute to a future mobility society with aircraft/drone/automobile engineers. Demonstration flights of the flying car are scheduled for summer in 2020, and its commercial release for 2023. Pre-sale orders for the cargo drone will be taken from spring in 2020.

-Inquiry about the usage of Cargo Drone
Tatsuya Kudo
Sales
SkyDrive Inc.
Email: drone[at]skydrive.co.jp