A human-made flying saucer that can carry a single pilot debuted in China earlier this month.
What it is: Developed by Shenzhen UFO Power Technology, the “iUFO” is an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that consists of a circular cockpit surrounded by 12 propellers. The transparent dome covering the cockpit offers the pilot a panoramic 360-degree view.
What it can do: The iUFO, which reportedly took three years to complete, is currently capable of flying at an altitude of 650 feet and speeds of up to 31 miles per hour for a maximum duration of 15 minutes.
The bigger picture: The aircraft was reportedly created to help boost tourism in Shenzhen, which has long been regarded as China’s Silicon Valley. However, the iUFO also shows the potential of eVTOLs in helping decongest land traffic and making for greener short-distance trips.
