Volar, Bellwether’s flying car concept, could one day transform into a real Bond car when it begins flight testing in half-scale.
Considering only looks, the Bellwether Volar would be the clear winner in the race to develop the ultimate eVTOL. Earlier renderings show a vehicle that would be perfect for getting up to the casino in Monaco or outrunning a horde of global terrorists, a vehicle that would look like something James Bond would drive.
The technical details of the half-scale demonstrator remain a secret, but Bellwether has already flown multiple tests of the model. We will be releasing a video later this month that should provide some insight into the operation and propulsion of that prototype.
As part of a press release, Bellwether said the Volar would pioneer a “new category of private urban aircraft for intra-city travel that will feature a hidden propulsion system, compact profiles, lifting bodies, and a smooth journey into and around cities.”
Assuming the performance projections are accurate, the Volar will have sleek looks to match its performance projections. Kai-Tse Lin, Bellwether’s chief of operations and co-founder, says the final design will be a four- or five-seater that will lift 1,320 pounds and cruise at 3,000 feet and 135 mph. Volar could begin as a hybrid, but Lin said the goal was a battery-powered system with a range of 135 to 200 miles.
“We’re open to all kinds of power sources, but the vehicle control and basic systems will still be electric,” Lin said in an interview. Volar’s design should make it easier to fly and maintain since it is controlled by fly-by-wire.
Volar plans to release a new version in 2022 and target a market launch in 2028. With increased production and more efficiency, the price will drop to a level comparable to car ownership as production increases.
Although that’s a worthy goal, it would cost a lot of money even in the best case scenario. James Bond might drive something like this.
