future of uber flying taxi is revealed in bell helicopter sneak peek

aircraft manufacturer bell helicopter has revealed the cabin for an electric, self-piloting air flying taxi at the consumer electronics show 2018 (CES), designed for uber’s scheduled 2020 aircraft taxi service. the concept – a cross between a helicopter and a drone – is unveiled following uber’s announcement that it will partner with NASA to develop a flying taxi service in los angeles in two years time. 

images courtesy of bell helicopter

bell calls its’ ‘urban air taxi’ a ‘comforting, relaxing space‘ accommodating up to four passengers and boasting connectivity technologies, including wifi, artificial intelligence, video calling, and wireless charging. the aim is this futuristic way of travelling will happen in the very near future, after uber announced it would be taking part in a joint industry and government push with NASA to develop software aiming to manage ‘flying taxi’ routes that could work like ride-hailing services, giving users an option at a fraction of their ground-bound commute.

‘bell has been moving people over urban obstacles for decades with traditional rotorcraft,’ the company comments. ‘now we’re expanding the scope of air travel and aviation technology to advance life’s conveniences.’ whilst only the cabin was debuted at CES this week, the company reportedly plans to reveal the propulsion system of either rotors, fans, wings (or a combination of all three) – at a later date.

#bellairtaxi VR experience (interactive)
video by bell helicopter