During this year's Paris Air Show, Japanese eVTOL developer SkyDrive announced a significant agreement with Suzuki Motor Corporation to collaborate on the production of SkyDrive's SKYDRIVE aircraft. In addition, SkyDrive unveiled a redesigned eVTOL model that can now accommodate more passengers.
SkyDrive, established officially in Japan in 2018 after four years of developing and testing flying car prototypes, gained recognition in the electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) community with a successful crewed test flight of its flagship "flying car" aircraft in 2019.
Since then, SkyDrive has been focused on further developing its technology and seeking certification from various air traffic regulators, including the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for future operations in the United States.
Prior to the agreement with Suzuki, SkyDrive revealed new specifications for its eVTOL aircraft during the 2023 Paris Air Show. The vessel, now officially named SKYDRIVE, has been elongated, widened, and heightened, allowing for the transportation of three individuals (two passengers and one pilot) compared to the previous design that accommodated only two.
Furthermore, the enhanced eVTOL can carry an additional 700 pounds of weight, reaching a total of 3,100 pounds, and can fly approximately 5-10km further on a single charge. With a patented rotor design and a new seating layout, SkyDrive is prepared to progress to the next phase of manufacturing with the assistance of Suzuki.
SkyDrive will establish a wholly-owned subsidiary dedicated to eVTOL manufacturing in collaboration with Suzuki. This subsidiary will operate within a Suzuki Group production facility located in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan.
Additionally, Suzuki will support the eVTOL manufacturing subsidiary by providing human resources and assisting in the preparation of the production space as the specific terms and conditions of the agreement are finalized. SkyDrive CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa expressed his thoughts on the collaboration:
"Suzuki and SkyDrive have been collaborating since March 2022, and we are very excited that SkyDrive will utilize Suzuki's production facility to build our eVTOL 'SKYDRIVE.' In our pursuit of consistently manufacturing safe and high-quality aircraft for the world, we are grateful for the valuable know-how we will gain from Suzuki, a global leader in automobile mass production. Suzuki and SkyDrive will work closely towards our shared goal."
The companies aim to commence the production of SKYDRIVE eVTOLs at the Suzuki facility by spring 2024. SkyDrive Inc. has also disclosed its plans to obtain airworthiness certification for the Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, ensuring that its individual aircraft meet the necessary standards for operation.
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