Could it possibly work? Who knows? But with Aston Martin’s partners in the project being boffins from Cranfield University and the pioneering aerospace futurists from Cranfield Aerospace Solutions Limited, you’d have to say there’s a very good chance.
Rolls-Royce (as in engineering, not Motor Cars) has been involved too, and provides the thinking behind the trio of motors to get the Volante Vision Concept off the ground. The motors are hybrid-electric. From the drawings it appears that while the rear motor provides the lift the front pair swivel to prove either lift or forward motion as required.
It’s a three-seater, McLaren F1-style, and drawings show a cabin trimmed as you would expect of an Aston. It is, says the company, designed for both urban and inter-city travel and if you are wondering who will fly you to your destination, then worry not because autonomous technology will have that covered.
Ready for take-off? Maybe not quite yet but the firm does say it is a near-future study. Aston chief Andy Palmer told us: “With Aston Martin and our ‘dream team’ of British innovation we are positioned to change the future of transportation, giving our customers a new dimension of freedom.
“We need to look at alternative solutions to reduce congestion, cut pollution and improve mobility. Air travel will be a crucial part in the future of transportation, the Volante Vision Concept is the ultimate luxury mobility solution.”