Google co-founder’s flying automobile startup is winding down

Larry Web page

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Google co-founder Larry Web page’s flying automobile startup Kittyhawk is winding down, the corporate introduced Wednesday.

“We are nonetheless running on the main points of what is subsequent,” the corporate wrote in a LinkedIn put up.

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Kittyhawk used to be based as Zee.Aero in 2010 when Web page recruited Sebastian Thrun, who had labored on self-driving vehicles and different experimental tasks at Google, to create electrical vertical takeoff and touchdown airplane. The corporate unveiled a demonstration video of a flying automobile in 2017, and Thrun stated he envisioned a time when other people would have the ability to hail flying vehicles thru an app like Lyft or Uber.

Kittyhawk showcased a flying automobile type known as the Flyer in 2018 that would grasp one individual and fly as much as 20 miles. Thrun instructed CNBC in an interview previous that 12 months that the fashions may just take to the skies inside of 5 years. The corporate introduced a strategic partnership with plane producer Boeing the next 12 months.

On the other hand, by way of 2020, Kittyhawk introduced plans to close down its Flyer program and shifted focal point to its electrical airplane known as Heaviside, in keeping with studies.

Lately’s announcement is not going to have an effect on the partnership with Boeing, a spokesperson instructed CNBC.

“Kitty Hawk’s resolution to stop operations does now not trade Boeing’s dedication to Wisk. We’re proud to be a founding member of Wisk Aero and are excited to peer the paintings they’re doing to power innovation and sustainability thru the way forward for electrical air shuttle. We don’t be expecting Kitty Hawk’s announcement to have an effect on Wisk’s operations or different actions by any means.”