The prototype of Turkey’s AI-powered CEZERİ Flying Car has completed initial flight tests, taking us an inch closer to living a sci-fi life depicted in the Hollywood movies.
“Developed nationally and originally to be ready for the races of the future. CEZERİ Flying Car has completed its first flight,” developer of the futuristic car, Baykar, said in a Twitter statement on September 15.
This comes less than a month after Japan announced the first successful test drive of its SD-03 manned flying car.
The Turkish firm began working on the car in 2019. It was revealed to the public for the first time during TEKNOFEST Istanbul festival held in September last year.
Weighing 230kg, it rose 10m above ground during tests held in the night of September 14. The initial phase of tests on September 11 involved the car taking off with the support of a rope.
“We started developing the CEZERİ Flying Car about 1.5 years ago. Our dream turned into reality when it made its first flight. We will build more advanced prototypes and perform manned flights in future,” BAYKAR Technical Manager Selçuk Bayraktar said.
The official added that the CEZERİ will take 10-15 more years to land on the road. “We can probably witness recreational use in rural areas such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) for 3-4 years,” he remarked.
Applications of the Flying Car
The flying car is designed to transport both passengers and cargo. The electric “Urban Air Transport” (KHT) vehicle will provide an alternative to automobiles in urban transportation. “The introduction of CEZERİ Flying Car will minimize traffic congestion besides time spent in traffic; besides reducing air pollution and accidents,” the company claims.
Turkey is also studying the car’s possible use for logistic support in health and military fields. “The CEZERİ will provide a faster cargo transportation service. It will be possible to respond quickly to the urgent needs of health institutions like transporting blood and organs,” Baykar noted.
Specifications of the CEZERİ Flying Car
CEZERİ is powered by rechargeable batteries with 8 electric motors and propellers and flies with 100% electricity. It will be designed to attain speeds of 100km/h, altitude of 2km, range of 70-80km and endurance of one hour.
