Launch of SD-05 Manufacturing Marks a Milestone in Advanced Air Mobility, Aiming for 2025 Osaka Expo Debut
Japanese flying-car manufacturer Skydrive recently announced that production of their SD-05 eVTOL had begun in partnership with Suzuki Motor Corporation at their plant in Iwata City, Shizuoka, Japan. This is a significant step in the development of the advanced air mobility space in Asia and worldwide.
SkyDrive eVTOL Production Launch
The first rivet ceremony took place on March 6, 2024, attended by Toshihiro Suzuki, Representative Director and President of Suzuki, Tomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO of SkyDrive, all employees from Sky Works and other representatives. Sky Works was founded as the manufacturing arm of Skydrive. The partnership with Suzuki is expected to produce over 100 units in the first year.
Skydrive is currently looking to acquire type certification from the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau for the SD-05, which seats 2 and has a maximum cruise speed of over 100 km/hr. The goal of the company is to have the product showroom ready for the 2025 Osaka Expo.
Tomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO of SkyDrive, said, “Partnering with Suzuki, a renowned automotive manufacturer, is a momentous occasion for SkyDrive. It is the beginning of a new phase. We share a goal of quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, making them an ideal partner in our quest to revolutionize urban air mobility.”
Nobuo Kishi, President of Sky Works Inc., added, “We are thrilled to begin production of the SKYDRIVE (SD-05) with Suzuki’s manufacturing specialists. This facility allows us to produce high-quality eVTOLs efficiently and effectively, ensuring we meet the needs of our customers.”
More information on Skydrive is available here.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
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