Personal UFO: startup Zeva showed a prototype of a miniature flying saucer

Zeva Zero is a circular aircraft with a diameter of 2.4 meters and a weight of 317 kg. The developers propose to use it to deliver passengers to hard-to-reach places, which can now only be reached by helicopter. For example, off-road, in the taiga or when crossing to the islands.

The military has already become interested in the device, but the creators are confident that in the future their "plate" can be used for rescue services or even civil flights, including as a taxi.

The developers describe the Zeva Zero control system as "partially piloted". That is, it will be possible to control it both remotely and from the inside.

While on the ground, the disc is upright. The entrance is at the back. A person must go inside, press his chest and stomach against the front wall of the cabin and close the door tightly behind him. Approximately 20 seconds after climbing up, the craft enters horizontal cruise mode, in which the entire Zero Zeva hull becomes a wing that creates lift. The passenger spends almost the entire flight in a prone position.

Zeva Zero can reach speeds of up to about 257 km / h and travel distances up to 80 km. Landing, like takeoff, takes place in an upright position. On approaching the destination, the device simply lifts its "nose" and gently puts the passenger back on his feet.

The device is as environmentally friendly as possible, since it works at the expense of electric motors and batteries. In the event of a fire, equipment is provided inside that will prevent heating of the cabin and remove toxic gases outside the hull in order to eliminate the risk of harm to the passenger. In the event of an accident, a person can be evacuated using a parachute.

The Zeva Zero prototype, made in 1: 8 scale, has already passed the first tests. Now engineers are testing a full-size model, which still exists in a single copy.

Parallel continues development SkyDock systems. This is a parking lot for the device, which can be installed on the roof or directly on the wall of a high-rise building. Thus, the passenger can immediately get to his office or apartment, bypassing remote take-off and landing zones.