State research institute transfers technology for development of amphibian air taxi

SEOUL -- A state-run research body teamed up with Angelux, a marine leisure vehicle producer in South Korea, to develop and commercialize an amphibian air taxi using fiber-reinforced composite materials that can increase flying range and performance through lightening, high strength and flame resistance.

The Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering and Technology (KICET) will transfer technology and material manufacturing know-how for the development of air taxis that can take off and land on water and land. The institute offers one-step supporting infrastructure and system including ceramic fiber manufacturing, convergence, reliability evaluation and talent cultivation.

"Angelux is a company with technology that can show us flying taxis we imagined and dreamed of," KICET president Yoo Kwang-soo said. "We will actively support the commercialization of air taxis early with domestic technology."

Urban air mobility (UAM) is an ecosystem covering personal air vehicles (PAVs) and infrastructure such as a new navigation system, take-off and landing fields and charging technologies. A government road map was unveiled in June to commercialize drone taxis in 2025.