Pilotless air taxi trial in Canterbury

Hailed as the world’s first self-piloted electric air taxi, the “Cora” is undergoing tests in Canterbury.

Zephyr Airworks, the New Zealand operating arm of California-based company Kitty Hawk, has unveiled the autonomous aircraft which has vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) ability and can travel 100km.

Cora can carry two passengers and aims to take people on short trips where they’d normally use a car, reducing traffic congestion.

It operates between about 150-915 metres above ground, has 12 independent lift fans powering the VTOL and a single propeller which powers fixed wing flight, reaching 150km/h.

Three independent flight computers each calculate its location, and a parachute is launched if Cora needs to land without its fans.

Cora has an experimental airworthiness certificate from the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority.

Limited services could start within three to six years.

Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel says the Zephyr Airworks project fits with Christchurch being a city of opportunity, where new ideas can be explored and realised.

“I have had the privilege of seeing the self-piloted air taxi and I am very excited about what it offers for future generations – to live and move in a way that has never been possible before.

“This aircraft represents the evolution of the transport eco system to one that responds to a global challenge around traffic and congestion, and is kinder to the planet.”

Dalziel says Christchurch is committed to becoming carbon neutral and is embracing future technologies in areas such as transport.

ChristchurchNZ has been working closely with Zephyr Airworks on the air taxi project, which has reportedly been tested since October.

“This partnership is a significant demonstration of our joint commitment to finding ways to improve future ways of living,’’ says ChristchurchNZ chief executive Joanna Norris.

“Zephyr Airworks came here because of the ease of doing business in New Zealand, our safety-focused regulatory environment, our culture of ingenuity and our vision for clean technologies and future transport alternatives.”

Christchurch and Canterbury are seen as attractive for trialling new technology, Norris says.

Other transportation projects there include the Omhio autonomous vehicle trial and the Yoogo electric car sharing scheme.