Test flights of so-called flying taxis – futuristic drones capable of transporting people – have been scrapped in Paris during the Olympics because the engine failed to pass certification, its promoters told AFP on Thursday.
German manufacturer Volocopter has been conducting test flights in the Paris region for several years and lobbied hard for permission from European authorities in time for the Olympics.
Certification for the VoloCity, an engine designed and built by Volocopter, was delayed by several weeks because of its engines, ADP Deputy CEO Edward Arkwright said.
“We’re a little disappointed, but we said anyway that we won’t make any compromises with safety,” he added.
Volocopter CEO Dirk Hoke said the delay was caused by “the US supplier not being able to deliver what they promised”.
He said the engines would be sent back to France next week, but not in time for test flights to be held in Paris before the Olympics close.
Promoters had hoped to use the global Olympics draw to demonstrate that the technology could effectively link “vertiport” takeoff and landing sites.
However, test flights without passengers will take place at the airport of the suburban town of Saint Cyr l’Ecole west of Paris on Thursday and Sunday, they said.
The city is located near the Palace of Versailles, where the Olympic equestrian events take place.
Backers promote flying taxis as a low-carbon form of aviation and hope that future larger versions could be used as ambulances or in other roles. However, many city officials in Paris derided the plans as harmful to the environment.
