Aircraft of the future poised to transform how we travel


Patrick Ryan
  • English
  • Arabic

This sleek electric plane could become part of everyday life in future after being tipped for use by police, taxis, ambulance services as well as search-and-rescue teams.

The electric aircraft can take off like a helicopter and land like a plane on runways as short as 100 metres.

Swiss company Manta is behind the futuristic-looking aircraft, which comes in single and double-seat configurations.

The aircraft, known as the Ann-1 (single seat) and the two-seater Ann-2, have a cruising spend of just under 300kph and a range of more than 600km.

The Ann-1 is designed for “personal mobility” and was described as a racer craft that offered extreme performance.

Manta has also designed the range with a view to the Ann planes becoming widely used as a shuttle craft to and from superyachts.

The Anns are equipped with small, fuel-driven generators that create electricity to make the batteries last longer and speed up the recharging process.

The plane is still in the testing phase, with the public being given a taste of what to expect from a three-metre scale model.

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Syria v Australia
2018 World Cup qualifying: Asia fourth round play-off first leg
Venue: Hang Jebat Stadium, Malayisa
Kick-off: Thursday, 4.30pm (UAE)
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* Second leg in Australia on October 10

Tips to keep your car cool
  • Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
  • Park in shaded or covered areas
  • Add tint to windows
  • Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
  • Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
  • Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
The BIO:

He became the first Emirati to climb Mount Everest in 2011, from the south section in Nepal

He ascended Mount Everest the next year from the more treacherous north Tibetan side

By 2015, he had completed the Explorers Grand Slam

Last year, he conquered K2, the world’s second-highest mountain located on the Pakistan-Chinese border

He carries dried camel meat, dried dates and a wheat mixture for the final summit push

His new goal is to climb 14 peaks that are more than 8,000 metres above sea level

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Friday, April 13
Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

3pm, UAE Conference: Dubai Tigers v Sharjah Wanderers
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Milkman by Anna Burns

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An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

Circe by Madeline Miller