Robotic flying cars have long been a fantasy in the science-fiction world. Many have looked forward to a day when vehicles are no longer confined to asphalt but are capable of taking to the air, covering long distances and virtually nullifying traffic. Although we’re still a long way off from that reality, aerospace technology developers Lockheed Martin have released the design for a flying, robotic car carrier that can achieve the same purpose.
The flying car carrier model debuted in mid-August at the annual trade show for the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International. The assembly involves a pair of ducted fans that can swivel attached to a harness that is capable of securing a pod-shaped load, like a car. Although the flying unit itself is unmanned, it’s being designed to carry a car that contains at least one passenger.
By the year 2015, Lockheed Martin hopes to have a working prototype available for testing. The final product that the corporation is working on will ideally be able to travel up to 250 miles in any direction at speeds of up to 200 knots. The assembly is also likely to be more efficient than a helicopter carrying a similar payload, thanks mainly to the ducted fans. When attached to a trailer, the entire flying carrier can fit on a single lane of road for easy transport.
These developments pose some interesting questions for the future of car courier services. Will traditional carriers that can carry multiple vehicles be displaced by robotic carriers that are not bound by the road? Will it be a safer alternative for transporting your vehicle from one place to another?
Human beings will always be involved in planning car carrier services, even if the modes of transportation change because of robotics. No matter what the future holds for our industry, Car Couriers will be ready and standing by to get you where you need to go.
*Image courtesy of abidal