An e-Jet that takes off from your yard

                A German start-up company is developing the world’s first ultralight personal electric plane that can be powered from a wall socket, take off and land vertically even from back gardens, and is eco-friendly. The two-seater entirely electric plane uses a ducted fan which makes it much simpler, quieter and safer than conventional helicopters. Researcher’s goal is to develop an aircraft for use in everyday life. They are going for a plane that does not need the complex and expensive infrastructure of an airport.

                To reduce noise and pollution, they are using electric engines so it can also be used close to urban areas. Highly efficient in its cruising mode, the plane will have a rage of 500 kilometres and be on sale by 2018. It features a touchscreen and flyby-wire joystick controls, retractable landing gear, wing doors, large storage, panoramic windows, and a battery that can be recharged from any wall socket.

                The half size prototype is already flying and now under test. The full size unmanned prototype is planned for this summer. The retail cost will be far less than that of similar sized contemporary aircraft, with running cost much lower as well. In the longer term, researchers target is to build an aircraft that nor only the super-rich can afford, and that can make private air transportation possible for a much wider number of people. With the concept of taking off and landing almost everywhere, we could see that one day these planes will be used for quick and daily transportation almost like a car.