'Snowstorm' personal flying machine lifts off in Singapore

What you're looking at above is Snowstorm, a personal flying machine. This electric-powered aircraft, designed and built by a group of students from the National University of Singapore, can be controlled by a human pilot and is capable of a vertical takeoff and landing. Snowstorm was created as part of an engineering project called FW Air: Electric Aviation, which aims to turn the fantasy of flying cars into reality.

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Currently, the prototype is able to stay above ground for roughly five minutes at a time, while the flight control system lets the pilot adjust Snowstorm's thrust, pitch, roll and its swerve. "The toughest part of this engineering challenge was ensuring a good thrust to weight ratio to allow the craft to lift a person into the air," said Shawn Sim, a student involved with the program. "In some instances, we even 3D-printed parts, such as our landing gear mount, just so we can have a customized and optimal fit."

Of course, FW: AIR Electric Aviation isn't alone in trying to make our dreams of a flying car come true. Earlier this year, we saw an insane autonomous human transport project, and there are many others that are working toward that same goal.