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owlconnected.com 25 Taxi TAKEOFF The Nexus doesn't just look cool—it will be much quieter than a traditional helicopter. That's because of the small size of its six blades compared to a helicopter's large main rotor (the blades on top of a copter). It also has a high-powered battery that can power the air taxi if the engine fails. The Nexus doesn't SAFE AND (FAIRLY) QUIET The biggest selling point of a vehicle like the Bell Nexus air taxi is its ability to take off from and land in tight spaces using VTOL. At takeoff, its fans point horizontally, lifting the vehicle. When it's time to move ahead, the fans tilt 90 degrees. This feature makes the air taxi about as manoeuvrable as a helicopter, which is great in cities full of skyscrapers. The biggest UP AND DOWN This vehicle is just one of many similar prototypes out there right now. All kinds of companies—from aircraft makers to ride-sharing firms— are offering their takes on the VTOL vehicle of the future. Are you ready to catch a ride in the sky? Hey, you up there! Taxi! JUST ONE OF MANY The Tulip QUICK FACTS Vehicle and Seats Bell Nexus air taxi Five (four passengers, plus driver) Abilities Hybrid electric VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) Weight About 3,000 kg (6,600 lb.), roughly the weight of a large SUV Use Easy, fast air transport for crowded cities Flash Forward TEXT: JOHN CROSSINGHAM PHOTO: BELL TEXTRON INC. What happens when you mash together a drone and a taxicab? It might look like the Bell Nexus air taxi!

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