Latest news with #ChittyChittyBangBang
Newsweek
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Personal Flying Cars May Be Luxury's New Status Symbol
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. In the future, having a flying car will be a unique and cutting-edge status symbol, even more than owning a customized Maybach or Rolls-Royce. Elite travelers will take to the skies, avoiding traffic, in their personal vehicles. Doroni Aerospace is on the cutting edge of the market. The company recently secured $180 million in investment to bring America's first personal flying car to market. The very modern company has its roots in the cartoons of the space age. "My whole life I've been fantasizing about flying cars—ever since I was young. I grew up watching shows like The Jetsons, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Back to the Future—all the futuristic stuff," Doroni Aerospace CEO Doron Merdinger told Newsweek. "The idea basically started at the end of 2016. I had a 'eureka' moment when I saw this kid playing with a drone," he continued. "2016 was around the time when drones really started to be seen more frequently. I saw how accurately they flew, how sustainable they were, and how easy they were to control. I knew it was only going to progress." Rendering of a Doroni Aerospace flying car. Rendering of a Doroni Aerospace flying car. Doroni Aerospace The vision of what flying cars could look like led Merdinger to begin Googling like-minded people. "I knew I needed engineers from different specialties—like aerospace, battery technology, structural engineering, and more. Eventually, I pulled together a team: Ukrainian aerospace engineers, UK software systems engineers, and a battery expert from the U.S.," he said. The first concept the newly-formed team came up with was an open single-seater, something Merdinger likens to a flying motorcycle. "But over time, I realized that the open cockpit wasn't the most compelling or sustainable concept. You want to feel comfortable and secure," he said. By 2021, the company was approached by potential investors and shifted focus to a roadster-style two-seater prototype called the H1-P1. It was equipped with four ducted fans embedded inside the wings, engineering the company patented, and two rear thrusters. With advanced technology and market feasibility comes added challenges. "We understood the challenges drones and helicopters face. For example, drones need to tilt more as they speed up, which can be uncomfortable for passengers and inefficient from an energy standpoint. That's why we knew ducted fans would set us apart. They offer key advantages: safety from bird strikes or people getting close, the ability to fly near urban areas or trees, better energy efficiency and lower noise levels. Plus, they look better—clean and compelling," Merdinger said. In the post-COVID years, Doroni has been focused on developing a viable product that it can bring to market. The Doroni H1-X combines electric power with vertical takeoff and landing technology (eVTOL). "In February 2023, we began test flights. I even flew inside the full-scale H1-P1 myself. We have also secured a special airworthiness certification from the FAA. That was huge as it shows the FAA is beginning to recognize and provide credibility for vehicles like ours," Merdinger said. The company continues to raise funds. "Once the funding comes in, we'll expedite the vehicle's development. We'll have a 24-month runway where we will be focused on development and extensive testing, and parallel work on certification. There will be a lot of testing and building as we approach the product launch," the CEO said. The company's website touts the H1-X production model's fast recharge time. It can bring its state of charge up to 80 percent in 25 minutes under ideal charging conditions. It is said to be able to fly for 40 minutes at a time with a range of 60 miles. Owners will be able to take off and land their Doroni eVTOL on the flat rooftop of a two-car garage, or at one of the country's vertiports. A number of airfields and airports across the country are installing vertiports, including at some military bases. Potential customers can reserve their H1-X with a $1,000 deposit. The expected cost of the unit is estimated to be around $350,000, about the same price as a Rolls-Royce Ghost. "We currently have over 500 pre-order requests, many of whom have already put down deposits. All the pre-orders so far have come from individuals, which we like. We want to work closely with our first buyers to understand how they see this vehicle fitting into their lives, how they use it, how safe it feels. It's about learning together and delivering the safest, most groundbreaking personal vehicle possible," he said. The company predicts that it won't be able to deliver its eVTOL to customers until at least 2026. "We expect the MOSAIC rules approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to stretch into 2026. We're introducing a whole new category of vehicles. It's important to take our time, work closely with the FAA, and do things the right way. We know this is disruptive technology which is why we need to stay grounded—no pun intended. We're creating something entirely new. It's important to stay cautious, iterate carefully, and remain aligned with the FAA," Merdinger said. The FAA's MOSAIC (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification) rules are designed to expand the current light-sport aircraft category to include eVTOLs and other advanced aircraft. "Once we're out there, the market will only grow exponentially. Companies are already approaching us with use cases—from luxury shuttle systems flying from New York to Tokyo in under an hour, to servicing wind turbines in remote ocean locations, and to farming. The use cases are endless," he concluded. New York to Tokyo in under an hour may seem impossible at first glance. However, transportation and aerospace engineers are working on making it a reality. The 6,700-mile journey could be possible in three segments: a 20-minute flight using Doroni's H1-X from the passenger's home to the departure shuttle, a high-speed transcontinental flight lasting approximately 20 minutes and a final 20-minute flight from the arrival shuttle directly to the passenger's final destination. Rendering of a Doroni Aerospace flying car charging. Rendering of a Doroni Aerospace flying car charging. Doroni Aerospace Fortune Business Insights projects that the flying car market will be valued at $1.53 trillion USD by 2040. There are several companies in the eVTOL development space, including Joby Aviation, which acquired Uber's flying car unit in late 2020. Uber then invested $75 million in the company. Lilium, Archer Aviation and Vertical Aerospace are also working on eVTOL travel, as is aerospace powerhouse company Airbus.
Metro
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
EastEnders legend reveals ‘joys of unemployment' following BBC soap exit
EastEnders legend Charlie Brooks has revealed the 'joys of unemployment' after leaving the BBC soap in 2022. Charlie has played Janine Butcher on and off since 1999, and her dramatic last tenure saw her tear Mick and Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) apart before marrying him herself. However, she ended up being sent to prison for perverting the court of justice, after her cruel plot against Linda was uncovered. Janine had framed Linda for drink driving but was caught red-handed disposing of evidence in the back of a photograph. When the truth was revealed on Christmas Day, a dramatic car chase ensued, resulting in Mick, Linda and Janine all plummeting into the sea after driving off a cliff. While Linda and Janine got out safely, Mick wasn't so lucky, and has been missing at sea ever since. Since leaving the show, Charlie has appeared on Dancing On Ice and in the UK tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, taking on the role of the iconic childcatcher. Having kept herself busy for a long time, she is now taking time to enjoy unemployment. In a post on Instagram, she revealed that the 'joys of unemployment' meant 'Getting to watch Martha Wainwright at union chapel with my gorgeous friend for belated birthday celebrations'. She went on to add: 'Having time to read her book. Martha was everything and more. Thank you.' However, she may not be out of work for long, as she previously revealed that another theatre show may be coming up for her. More Trending Earlier this year, Charlie addressed the possibility of a return to EastEnders for its 40th anniversary, but ruled it out before teasing what is her future plans. 'I'm going straight back into Chitty Chitty Bang Bang for a while, and then I probably need a little bit of time off,' she told The Mirror in January. View More » 'And then we're in talks about another theatre project at the moment, so I don't know yet. I'm biding my time. So who knows.' MORE: British Soap Awards 2025 afterparty evacuated due to security alert MORE: EastEnders legend confirms she's taking a break from the BBC soap MORE: Coronation Street star Barbara Ferris dies aged 85
Glasgow Times
01-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Decision made on the selling of ice cream in Glasgow parks
Cllr Ken Andrew, SNP, objected to applications from ice cream van firm Mr Cool to trade from stances in Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow Green and near Hogganfield Loch. The Hillhead councillor was 'uncomfortable' with plans for the van to sell 'high sugar, high fat foods' near a 'children's play park and sports facilities' in Kelvingrove Park. He claimed allowing an ice cream van to be situated near the skate park 'sends the wrong message to our young children'. 'The very least we want to do for our young people is get them into good eating habits,' Cllr Andrew told the city's licensing committee. However, Cllr Alex Wilson, SNP, who chairs the committee, said: 'This is basically down to whether we agree that children should be fed ice cream at the park. 'Do we become the fun police and not allow them to have a treat when they are skateboarding, running around, burning off calories galore and then having an ice cream?' After hearing committee members support for ice cream vans in parks, Cllr Andrew joked: 'I now feel like the childcatcher from 'Chitty Chitty Bang bang'.' Cllr Wilson retorted: 'If you were the childcatcher from 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang', with your healthy options, I think they would stay out of your van.' The committee agreed to grant six applications for street trader licences which allow the holders, who all work for Mr Cool, to sell from the three sites. Andrew Hunter, the licensing lawyer representing the firm, said the council had determined the stances and held a tender process to find an operator. 'If you don't licence it and you don't regulate it, then you potentially have a free for all,' he added. 'Members of the public who are out and about have the option to use it or not to use it.' He said the company has been operating for over 25 years, including more than 12 years in Kelvingrove Park. Mr Cool, which also sells slushy drinks and soft drinks, including zero sugar options, is 'very much a traditional ice cream van', Mr Hunter said, with ice cream supplied by Glasgow firm Crolla's. He agreed childhood obesity is an issue, but 'targeting that on a single van in this particular location is perhaps unfair'. Cllr Andrew said he wasn't objecting to the company 'having an ice cream stand somewhere in the park' but he was concerned about 'its adjacency to the play park and the skateboard rink'. 'I think we do have an obesity crisis, we do have instances of teenagers now exhibiting type two diabetes, there is a problem here,' he added. 'I'm sure it's a well-managed and a well-run business but I think at some point we have got to do something about this.' Cllr Wilson said: 'I think it's a perfectly valid opinion about trying to get young people to eat healthier and good on you for doing that. 'We have to then decide whether we become the fun police or not.'
Daily Mirror
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
EastEnders legend lapping up 'unemployment' after dramatic soap exit
Charlie Brooks has been making the most of unemployment, with the former EastEnders star and I'm A Celebrity winner using her newfound spare time to read and go to gigs with her pals EastEnders star Charlie Brooks has been making the most of her "unemployment", having spent Friday night at a gig in London. The former Janine Butcher actress saw Martha Wainwright on the UK leg of her tour, when she played at Union Chapel in Islington. Charlie, 44, left the soap in 2012 but went on to set up her own acting training business, iampro, which offers mentoring and industry classes for creatives. She also took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2011 and was crowned queen of the jungle after winning I'm A Celebrity in 2012. But aside from some smaller roles, she's remained off the screen for some time, but she is lapping up her so-called "unemployment". Writing on Instagram, she said: "Joys of unemployment. Getting to watch Martha Wainwright at Union Chapel with my gorgeous friend @shazzleydazzley for belated birthday celebrations. "Having time to read her book. Martha was everything and more. Thank you x." The star shared a series of photos and a video from the gig, as well as a snap of singer-songwriter Wainwright's book, Stories I Might Regret Telling You. Charlie first appeared in Albert Square way back in 1999, and remained rher euntil 2004, before going on to have roles in Robin Hood and Beverley Allitt: Angel of Death, in which she portrayed a killer nurse. She returned to the Square in 2008 until 2012. The mum-of-one returned to the soap in 2022, before competing in Dancing on Ice, alongside Olympic skater Eric Radford. Back in January, she addressed whether a return to Walford was on the cards. "I'm going straight back into Chitty Chitty Bang Bang for a while, and then I probably need a little bit of time off," she said. "And then we're in talks about another theatre project at the moment, so I don't know yet. "I'm biding my time. So who knows." Charlie starred as the Childcatcher in the UK tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, taking to the stage alongside Coyote Ugly's Adam Garcia last year. Charlie shares her daughter, Kiki Truman Brooks, 20, with her ex partner, Ibiza club owner Tony Truman, who she split up with in 2006. But despite their relationship breakdown, the pair are still on good terms - so much so, that he lives in the flat above Charlie's home in Surrey. She also dated architect Ben Hollington for around five years, but they split in 2017. Tony had got so attached to her new fella that he sobbed when they called it a day. More recently, she's been linked with advertising producer James Fuller. Speaking on Yahoo UK' s White Wine Question Time podcast, she said: "My ex partner Ben, who I was with for five or six years, who's an amazing human being, you know, we woke up on Christmas Day together, all of us. Tony would come down, we'd all get into bed and open the presents together with Kiki, cos she adores Ben, and I think it can be problematic. "I think he probably has more issues with that sort of thing than I do. I've been single for four years, so that's the longest I've ever been single. Then I was with Ben before that for five or six years, who was just really accepting. Tony absolutely adored him, we all went on holiday together. Tony cried when me and Ben broke up. He actually cried."
Irish Independent
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Independent
Maserati, Porsche and Peugeot lead the pack as Wicklow vintage car show goes off with a bang
There was a truly unique selection of motors on display in St Patrick's Church, including a very original 1920s Bentley, a rare 1950s Maserati and a magnificent 1980s Ferrari, as well as a rank of unique Ford vehicles, spanning the decades, showing how the marque has evolved over the years. All were hoping to impress the special guest judge for the show, expert dealer and social media influencer, Nadia Adan from Ashford Motors. Remarking on the turnout, organisers Andrew and Philippa Bailey said: 'We are delighted with the huge amount of support for the show, both from those exhibiting cars and those attending as visitors. It was an event run by the community for the community and was a fantastic example of everyone coming together to create something special. "The atmosphere was really uplifting, with the Stedfast Band providing wonderful music, children playing games, the parish refreshment tent being a central focus for socialising and the golden ticket raffle for rides in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang causing great excitement. It was also an honour to have the winning Deutz tractor from the 1964 World Ploughing Championship on display too,' they continued. "We had a remarkable array of cars on show, many from private collections, but there could only be three winners. The public voted an exceptional 1956 Maserati 150S as their car of choice, the entrants voted for a 1933 Peugeot 301CR and Nadia Adan of Ashford Motors, who was the celebrity judge, chose a 1973 Porsche 911 E as her favourite. 'We would like to thank everyone who travelled to come to the show, all the amazing volunteers and also our sponsors: Ashford Motors, Auto Care, AXA, Glen Fuels, Goggin Insurances, King Tree Services, Panda, Pension & Financial and Powerscourt Estate,' they concluded.
