When Airbus Gave a Nod to Batman's Ride: An eVTOL Affair
Ever had a moment when you look at a sleek automobile (or, in this case, an aircraft) and you can't help but mumble, "Where have I seen this before?" Well, if you've had a glimpse of Airbus's new "NextGen" eVTOL air taxi, and thought Batman might just trade in his Batmobile for a spin, you're not the only one.
Now, before we dive deep into the world of whirring blades and electrified skies, let's get a grip. We're talking about Airbus here. The big-wigs. The kind of company that you'd expect to barge into a room (or airspace) with flamboyant numbers and boastful specifications. But, oh boy, did they take us all for a wild loop.
The NextGen design, while being an eye candy for sure, with its fancy forward-swept front wings, six lift props that seem to be doing some form of robotic jazz hands, and a V-tail design that looks like it's just flexing on the world – is an interesting specimen. Why? Because for all its glitz and glamour, it promises to go just 75 mph. Yes, you read it right. 75. And with a range that's no more than 50 miles. My grandma's old pickup truck can drive further on leftover fumes.
And for all the car folks out there, this is the equivalent of having a supermodel-looking car that has the engine of a lawnmower. Gorgeous on the outside, but won't take you far without stopping for a juice-up.
But hey, maybe we're looking at it all wrong. Maybe Airbus isn't trying to woo us with just the speed and distance. Perhaps, it's all about the experience. A serene, quiet, slightly slow sky ride across the city. Like a gondola ride, but in the air. Speaking of quiet, Airbus claims the NextGen will hum along at about 70 dB during landing. That’s like being stuck in traffic, or for a more relatable home analogy - the familiar drone of a vacuum cleaner.
However, if we're betting money on the future, placing it on Airbus wouldn't be a total loss. Even if their latest flying endeavor isn’t breaking any sound (or speed) barriers. As Balkiz Sarihan, the head honcho of urban air mobility (UAM) at Airbus, mentioned – it's not about being the first in the race, but about doing it right. And sometimes, that's more commendable. It’s like that friend who takes forever to tell a joke but nails the punchline every single time.
The big plan is to have the CityAirbus NextGen take to the skies by the end of 2023 and get the official stamp of certification by 2025. But don't expect Airbus to start a taxi service themselves. They're more of the "make it and sell it" type.
While the new Airbus eVTOL might not be the fastest bird in the sky, or the one that can go the distance, it sure is one pretty aircraft. It serves as a reminder that innovation isn't just about numbers, but also about experiences. And who knows, maybe the goal here is to enjoy the journey, however short and slow it might be.
So, if one day you're flying around in one of these, enjoying a panoramic view of the city below, remember – it's not the destination, it's the ride. A bit slow, a tad short, but oh so delightful!
Yours truly,
Captain Electro
