Japan-based flying car and cargo drone developer SkyDrive has selected Electric Power Systems to design, develop and manufacture a battery system for its SD-05 vehicle, and Toray Carbon Magic to provide advanced carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) products for the composite vehicle structure.

In 2025, SkyDrive aims to commence air taxi services with the two seat SD-05 in the Osaka Bay Area, and is currently applying for type certification.

A high-power battery system plays a critical role in the development of the vehicle. EP Systems is a provider of high-power scalable powertrains that are certifiable for electrified aviation and has numerous battery systems currently powering flight demonstrator vehicles such as the NASA X-57 and Aurora Flight Sciences' Pegasus. It is working with the FAA to certify batteries for general aviation aircraft and will complete its first Technical Standard Order (TSO) in 2023.

SkyDrive has selected the EPiC battery system, which includes battery modules, a battery management system and a safe for handling disconnect box.

EP Systems ceo Nathan Millecam says: “We couldn't be more excited to be a part of SkyDrive's plans for the future of flight and look forward to collaborating with the team.”

SkyDrive ceo Tomohiro Fukuzawa adds: “EP Systems is our ideal partner for this essential element of our two seater aircraft SD-05. It is very focused and committed to developing reliable battery systems. We will continue to develop our aircraft with its excellent support.”

In order to reduce the weight of the vehicle, Toray is researching a light, strong CFRP structure for the vehicle. CFRP is a resin base material to which carbon fibre is added as a reinforcing material. Both rigid and strong, carbon fibre also has electrical conductivity, heat resistance, low thermal expansion coefficient, self-lubricity and X-ray permeability and should make products lighter, larger, smaller and more energy-efficient.

SkyDrive and Toray will proceed with material conformity testing, type certification and promoting development.

Toray ceo, president and representative director Akiyoshi Oku says: "We are delighted that our lightweight and aerodynamic technologies, cultivated in the development of racing cars, will be utilised in developing the flying car. We will continue to work proactively on the development of elemental technologies required for flying the vehicle."

Fukuzawa adds: "Toray Carbon Magic's advanced carbon fibre-reinforced plastic is an essential element of our two seater aircraft SD-05. Starting with this material compatibility testing, we will continue to work closely together to promote the development of a light and strong flying car airframe structure, with the aim of realising an air mobility society."