Researchers design flying car prototype

Emadud-Deen Khalil, Staff Reporter

A research team of undergraduate students at Khalifa University of Science and Technology have designed and implemented a complete prototype of an electric flying car. This research, which was presented as a graduation project, marks the beginning of futuristic flying cars that will be developed and manufactured in the UAE.

The research team included four students: Munira Al Hammadi from the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Mahra Al Balushi, Khulood Nabeel from the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Imran Al Hammadi from the Department of Aerospace Engineering.

The project is supervised by Dr. Riyadh Al Khaz’ali, Dr. Bashar Al Khasawneh and Dr. Ashraf Al Khatib.

The prototype combines an electric car and a drone in the form of a hexagonal helicopter that uses GPS navigation, the team said, adding that the idea of the flying car began in January 2020 when the team focused mainly on designing a flying car that can take off and land vertically.

This would give the car driver the ability to move smoothly while flying without the need for a helipad.

The team also focused on making the car run purely on electricity to reduce carbon emissions and ensured that the drone be safe, efficient and eco-friendly both on public roads and in the air. 

The prototype developed by the students enables the car to be remotely controlled. The vehicle, which has 4 rotors and uses the GPS for movement and mobility in the air, can fly for 18 minutes.

This aerial vehicle contains six rotating arms to enable it to be more stable and efficient while flying and has a greater payload than others. As it is easily controlled, the vehicle is able to transport individuals by air.