SKYDRIVE
About
About SKYDRIVE
SKYDRIVE uses 12 independently driven motors and rotors around a compact three-seat cabin for vertical take-off, landing and low-altitude cruise. The aircraft carries one pilot and two passengers, with published cruise speed reaching 110 kilometres per hour and range between approximately 15 and 40 kilometres.
SkyDrive is progressing the aircraft through Japanese and US certification programmes and preparing manufacturing with Suzuki. Flight demonstrations, vertiport partnerships and route-development projects are building the operating and maintenance systems required for commercial service.
Supply
Supply / Components
- SKYDRIVE
Sd 05 Sheet Metal Components - Structural Components - Sanyoh Manufacturing - SkyDrive selected Sanyoh Manufacturing to supply sheet-metal components for SD-05 - source: prtimes.jp
Source - SKYDRIVE
Sd 05 Cfrp Structures - Structural Components - Airtificial - SkyDrive selected Airtificial to supply carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic structures for SD-05 - source: prtimes.jp
Source - SKYDRIVE
Sd 05 Precision Machined Metal Components - Manufacturing - ITO Corporation - SkyDrive selected ITO Corporation to supply precision-machined metal components for SD-05 - source: prtimes.jp
Source
Timeline
- SkyDrive signs Australian operator LOI for up to five SD-05 aircraft
2026-08-18 - Partnership - The basic agreement sets pricing and a delivery schedule targeting two aircraft in 2028 and three in 2029, but remains a letter of intent rather than a firm aircraft order. The partners plan to launch sightseeing flights in 2028 from the existing Marina Mirage heliport on the Gold Coast. Preparatory work includes aircraft certification plus a dedicated vertiport and maintenance, repair and overhaul facility at Southport Airfield.
Source - Sanyoh to manufacture sheet-metal parts for SD-05
2026-07-22 - Partnership - The agreement adds a Japanese sheet-metal supplier to the SD-05 production network. Sanyoh will contribute component-production capability. The announcement is a supplier selection rather than a new aircraft launch.
Source - Airtificial joins SD-05 supply chain with CFRP structures
2026-07-22 - Partnership - The agreement covers structural components for the SD-05 programme. Airtificial contributes composite engineering and production capability. The announcement is a supply agreement rather than a new aircraft launch.
Source - ITO wins precision-machining role on SD-05
2026-07-22 - Partnership - The agreement supports the SD-05 production supply chain. ITO will contribute precision metal-machining capability. The announcement is a supplier selection rather than a new aircraft launch.
Source - SkyDrive, 7A Drones and ITRI prepare Penghu eVTOL medical service
2026-07-15 - Partnership - 7A Drones is responsible for feasibility studies, aircraft operation and maintenance, and discussions with medical and government institutions. Preparations include Magong–Hujing route details, candidate hospitals and vertiport sites, and control, communications and charging infrastructure. The framework targets entry into service from 2028 or later.
Source - SkyDrive raises JPY8.3B Pre-Series D at JPY38.7B reported valuation
2025-07-04 - Funding - MUFG Bank led the ¥8.3 billion third-party allotment, with Suzuki, JR East, JR Kyushu and seven other companies investing. The matching Japan Investment Corporation deal record lists a ¥38.7 billion valuation without specifying a pre- or post-money basis. SkyDrive said the round took cumulative funding above ¥43 billion and would support certification, testing infrastructure, development staffing and operational readiness.
Source