Flying Car Engineers Aim to Light Tokyo 2020 Torch

Category: Technology/Innovations

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. preliminary / prɪˈlɪm əˌnɛr i / (adj) – introductory or initial
    Example:

    The engineers started a preliminary assessment of the project.


  2. prototype / ˈproʊ təˌtaɪp / (n) – an initial model or design
    Example:

    The game developer is working on a prototype of a new game.


  3. replicate / ˈrɛp lɪˌkeɪt / (v) – to copy
    Example:

    Scientists usually replicate existing technologies and improve them.


  4. drone / droʊn / (n) – a remote-controlled vehicle, which commonly floats in the air
    Example:

    The man photographed the mountain’s top view using a drone.


  5. flawless / ˈflɔ lɪs / (adj) – having no faults or blemishes
    Example:

    The programmer was awarded for his flawless performance in the company.


Article

Read the text below.

Start-up company Cartivator has announced their intent to light the Tokyo 2020 Olympic torch using a flying car.


The company, composed mostly of young engineers, started the SkyDrive project in 2014. The preliminary model of the flying vehicle previously won a competition, which eventually inspired the engineers to continue developing it.


Cartivator has recently received 42.5 million yen from Toyota Motor Corporation to further develop the SkyDrive flying car prototype. Its design will replicate a technology found in drones, which have a vertical take-off and a landing mechanism that does not require roads or runways.


The proposed final model for SkyDrive will have a length of 9.5 feet, a width of 4.2 feet and will stand at around 3.4 feet. It will have three wheels, four sets of propellers and is expected to travel at the maximum flying speed of 100 kilometers per hour. In addition, it will be powered by a battery and manned from the inside.


Project leader Tsubasa Nakamura stated that Cartivator aims to deliver a flawless shift from driving to flying. They plan to launch SkyDrive’s final model in urban areas and eventually sell it commercially by 2025.


SkyDrive’s latest prototype can take off from the ground and float in the air for a couple of seconds using an external gadget, but in 2019, the engineers aim to conduct the first manned flight, which is the last step before it can be used in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic flame lighting ceremony.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• Would you buy a flying car? Why or why not?
• Do you think that flying cars will be successful in the market? Why or why not?

Discussion B

• What are the possible risks of using flying cars?
• In your opinion, what transportation problems will flying cars solve?