British aerospace company Rolls-Royce is developing a personal electric flying vehicle that it says could be on the market by the early 2020s.
The company revealed the concept at last weekend's Farnborough International Airshow, where it said it was looking for strategic partners to help it realise its vision for electric vertical take-off and landing (EVTOL).
Rolls-Royce already has vertical take-off and landing technology needed to realise its concept vehicle, but this is currently based on the company's M250 internal combustion engine. The company is developing this into a hybrid system.
"Electrification is an exciting and inescapable trend across industrial technology markets and while the move to more electric propulsion will be gradual for us, it will ultimately be a revolution," said Rolls-Royce electrical director Rob Watson.
"Building on our existing expertise in electric technologies and aviation, Rolls-Royce is actively exploring a range of possible markets and applications for electric and hybrid electric flight," continued Watson.
"We are well placed to play a leading role in the emerging world of personal air mobility and will also look to work in collaboration with a range of partners."
Rolls-Royce ? which makes engines for aviation and other industries, and is separate to the car brand of the same name ? said its EVTOL concept could suit personal or commercial passenger travel as well as cargo and military applications.

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