Japan-based eVTOL manufacturer SkyDrive is now accepting pre-orders for its SD-05 aircraft from the general public. The first private customer is licensed pilot Kotaro Chiba, who was also the first owner of a HondaJet in Japan.

SkyDrive has focused on developing its business-to-business pre-order sales since it unveiled design of the SD-05 in September 2022. In November last year, Vietnamese developer Pacific Group agreed to pre-order up to 100 SD-05 aircraft, with 10 confirmed pre-orders and 90 conditional pre-order options.

Chiba, co-founder and managing partner of Drone Fund, became the first shareholder of SkyDrive through the fund in November 2018. Drone Fund is a venture capital firm that focuses on drone technology and the advanced air mobility (AAM) industry that aims to develop these technologies globally. Chiba is an angel investor with over 60 start ups as well as experience in 50 venture capital funds. He says: “In 2018, I was captivated by SkyDrive's vision of the future and its innovative aircraft, fuelling my dream of flying cars. Upon seeing the company's first prototype, I was convinced that my dream was finally within reach, and I enthusiastically made the decision to invest in SkyDrive. Driven by my passion for the first flying car of the future, I obtained my private pilot licence. Since then, SkyDrive has conducted successful crewed test flights and applied for type certification, further solidifying my confidence in the team's ability to make the dream a reality. I eagerly anticipate the exciting adventures that lie ahead in the skies with the SD-05.”

SkyDrive founder and CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa says: “Since we unveiled the design of our SD-05 in September 2022 we have received numerous inquiries, not only from companies but also from private individuals. As we aim to create a future where everyone has access to eVTOLs as their daily transportation, we understand that it is important that we have an option for individuals to own their aircraft. We received inquiries from Mr Chiba more than once, and we are truly grateful that he confirmed the pre-order as the first individual owner right after we decided to receive pre-orders from individuals. We will develop fully automated aircraft in the future and further promote the realisation of a society where everyone utilises the sky for daily transportation.”

The SD-05 is a two seat, electric-powered compact aircraft with VTOL capabilities. Operated by a driver-pilot, its flight stability is secured with the assistance of a computer-controlled flight system. SkyDrive is in the process of acquiring a type certificate for the SD-05 from the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), as the first of its kind in Japan. The aircraft is designed to travel up to around 10 km and its maximum cruise speed is 100 km/h.