Rolls-Royce unveils hybrid flying taxi at Farnborough

A man poses alongside screens presenting the Rolls-Royce EVTOL air taxi concept during the Farnborough Airshow, south west of London, on July 16, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Tolga AKMEN

British engine maker Rolls-Royce revealed plans this week to develop a hybrid electric vehicle, dubbed the “flying taxi”, which takes off and lands vertically and could be airborne within five years. 

The London-listed aerospace giant, which is based in Derby in central England, showed off the plans at the Farnborough Airshow for the first time, as other players also rush into the market segment.