Article 1: The Dream of Personal Flying Cars Becoming a Reality
In recent years, the dream of personal flying cars has been inching closer to becoming a reality. With advancements in technology and the increasing demand for efficient transportation solutions, various companies and innovators have been working tirelessly to bring this futuristic concept to life.
One of the significant players in this field is the renowned company, Uber. In 2016, Uber announced its vision of developing a network of flying cars, known as Uber Elevate. The company has partnered with leading aircraft manufacturers and has been actively collaborating with aviation regulators to ensure the safe integration of these vehicles into urban environments. Uber Elevate aims to launch its first fleet of flying cars by 2023, starting with test flights in Dallas-Fort Worth and Los Angeles.
Another prominent name in the personal flying car industry is Terrafugia, a company that was acquired by the Chinese automaker Geely in 2017. Terrafugia has been working on the development of a hybrid-electric flying car, named the Transition. This innovative vehicle has already received certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a Light Sport Aircraft, and the company plans to make it commercially available by the end of 2022. The Transition can seamlessly transition between driving and flying modes, making it a practical option for everyday transportation.
Apart from these established players, numerous startups and entrepreneurs are also making significant strides in the personal flying car industry. Companies like Kitty Hawk, Lilium, and AeroMobil have been developing their own prototypes and conducting successful test flights. These companies envision a future where individuals can conveniently take to the skies, bypassing congested roads and reaching their destinations faster than ever before.
The advancement of electric propulsion systems and autonomous technologies has been instrumental in bringing the dream of personal flying cars closer to reality. Electric motors provide efficient and environmentally-friendly power for these vehicles, while autonomous systems ensure safe and reliable operation. Additionally, the development of air traffic management systems specifically designed for urban air mobility will be crucial in enabling the integration of personal flying cars into existing transportation networks.
While there are still challenges to overcome, such as regulatory frameworks and infrastructure requirements, the progress made in recent years indicates that personal flying cars are no longer solely the stuff of science fiction. With continued innovation and collaboration between industry leaders, we may soon witness the day when we can soar through the skies in our own personal flying cars, making travel faster, more convenient, and more exciting than ever before.
Article 2: The Imminent Reality of Personal Flying Cars
The dream of personal flying cars is rapidly approaching reality, thanks to significant advancements in technology and the collective efforts of companies and innovators around the world. This article explores some of the recent developments that have brought us closer to experiencing the thrill of flying in our own vehicles.
One of the key breakthroughs in the personal flying car industry is the development of electric propulsion systems. Electric motors offer numerous advantages over traditional combustion engines, including lower emissions, reduced noise levels, and increased efficiency. This technology has revolutionized the automotive industry and is now being adapted for the aviation sector. Companies like Lilium and Kitty Hawk have successfully conducted test flights of their electric-powered prototypes, showcasing the potential of electric propulsion in personal flying cars.
In addition to electric propulsion, the integration of autonomous technologies has played a crucial role in the advancement of personal flying cars. Autonomous systems allow for safer and more efficient operation by minimizing human error and enabling precise navigation. This technology has already been successfully implemented in the automotive industry and is now being adapted for the aviation sector. Companies like Terrafugia and AeroMobil are incorporating autonomous capabilities into their flying car designs, ensuring a seamless and intuitive user experience.
Furthermore, the establishment of regulatory frameworks and the collaboration between industry leaders and aviation authorities have paved the way for the safe integration of personal flying cars into our skies. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other regulatory bodies worldwide have been working closely with companies in the personal flying car industry to develop certification standards and ensure compliance with safety regulations. This collaborative approach will enable the smooth transition from traditional air transportation to the era of personal flying cars.
In terms of infrastructure, the development of vertiports and the implementation of air traffic management systems specifically designed for urban air mobility are crucial. Vertiports, similar to helipads, will serve as landing and take-off points for personal flying cars, providing a network of convenient locations for users. Meanwhile, air traffic management systems will ensure the safe and efficient flow of air traffic, avoiding congestion and potential collisions. Companies like Uber and Volocopter are actively working on the development of these infrastructure elements, recognizing their importance in making personal flying cars a practical and widespread transportation option.
In conclusion, the dream of personal flying cars is no longer a distant fantasy but a tangible reality that is rapidly approaching. With advancements in electric propulsion, autonomous technologies, regulatory frameworks, and infrastructure development, individuals may soon be able to experience the thrill of soaring through the skies in their own personal flying cars. This exciting future holds the promise of revolutionizing transportation, offering faster, more efficient, and more exhilarating journeys for all.
个人飞行汽车的梦想接近现实英文文章 篇三
个人飞行汽车的梦想接近现实英文文章
Personal Flying Vehicles Close to Reality
Many people have long dreamed of being able to fly around as simply as riding a bicycle. Yet the safety and strength of a flying bike was always a big problem.
Over the past 10 years, developments in technology have moved the dream of personal flying vehicles closer to reality. Now, two groups of inventors say such vehicles may available very soon.
The British company Malloy Aeronautics has developed a prototype or model of its flying bicycle. The company says its Hoverbike will be a truly personal flying vehicle.
Grant Stapleton is the marketing sales director of Malloy Aeronautics. He says the Hoverbike is able to get in and out of small spaces very quickly. “It can be moved across continents very quickly because it can be folded and packed,” he adds.
Mr. Stapleton says safety was the company’s main concern when developing the Hoverbike. He says the designers solved the safety issue by using overlapping rotors to power the vehicle. He says the power comes from adducted propellers, which turn in enclosed spaces.
“With adducted rotors you immediately not only protect people and property if you were to bump into them, but if you ever were to bump into somebody or property, it's going to bring the aircraft out of the air,” Mr. Stapleton says.
The company is testing both a one-third scale model and a full-size prototype of the Hoverbike.
Inventors say their Hoverbike will most likely be used first by the military, police and emergency rescue teams.
In New Zealand, the Martin Aircraft Company is also testing a full-scale prototype of its personal flying device, called Jetpack. It can
fly for more than 30 minutes, up to 1,000 meters high and reach a speed of 74 kilometers per hour.Peter Coker is the chief executive officer of Martin Aircraft Company. He said Jetpack “is built around safety from the start.” In his words, “reliability is the most important element of it. We have safety built into the actual structure itself, very similar to a Formula One racing car.”
Jetpack uses a gasoline-powered engine that produces two powerful jet streams. Mr. Coker says it also has a parachute that can be used should there be an emergency.
“It opens at very low altitude and actually saves both the aircraft and the pilot in an emergency," he adds.
Mr. Coker says Jetpack will be ready for sale to the public by the end of 2016. He adds it will have a price of about $200,000.
I’m Jonathan Evans.
VOA’s George Putic reported this story from Washington. Jonathan Evans adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.
Words in this Story
overlap – v. to lie over the edge of something; to cover part of something
propeller – n. a device with two or more blades that turn quickly and cause a ship or aircraft to move
prototype – n. an original or first model of something from which other forms are copied or developed
fold – v. to place one part over another; to tie together
pack – v. to put away
rotor – n. a part of a machine that turns around a central point
reliability – n. the ability to depend on someone or something