Dubai made aviation history on Monday afternoon with the first proof of concept flight of its new two-seater, self-flying taxi in an aerial test. See more at: http://gulfnews.com/gntv
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00:00Dubai made aviation history on Monday afternoon with the first proof of concept flight of
00:12its new two-seater self-flying taxi in an aerial test in Jumeirah Beach Residence area.
00:18The self-flying taxi will be used for the world's first self-flying taxi service, meaning
00:22passengers will be shuttled across Dubai without a pilot.
00:25It is really exciting to be here and to have accomplished this milestone in record time
00:29I have to say, together with RTA and Dubai Aviation Authorities.
00:34So I really think this is a great accomplishment today.
00:37The current prototype version has a maximum flight time of approximately 30 minutes at
00:41a cruise speed of 50 kilometers an hour.
00:43It measures about 2 meters in height and the diameter of the rotor rim including propellers
00:47is just over 7 meters.
00:49The test was monitored by the Drone Tracking System newly implemented by the DCAA to ensure
00:54flight safety at all times in Dubai airspace.
00:57The vehicle will be programmed to fly from point A to point B, maybe even C and D, depending
01:02on the battery life, but that's what it's all about, to say this vehicle can fly without
01:08interface from anyone on board in an autonomous manner and that's where we'll be going in
01:13the future.
01:14So you'll be able to jump on board and have a pre-programmed routing, hypothetically from
01:20let's say Murdaf City Center to Dubai Mall, you'll hop out at Dubai Mall and then someone
01:25else will enjoy the ride going in the opposite direction.
01:28So that's what proof of concept is all about.
01:35The taxi will be integrated with public transport systems such as the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram,
01:40public buses, marine transit modes and taxis.
01:43And over the next five years, DRTA will collaborate with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority
01:48and the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority to ensure that the operational requirements for
01:53implementing AAT services are put in place.
01:56Logan Fish for Gulf News.