It may look like a giant remote controlled toy, but the designers of an electric hybrid* helicopter hope it could become the next big thing in personal transportation.

The Surefly could one day carry two passengers on journeys up to 112 kilometers, for those who can afford the expected US$200,000 price tag.

U.S. firm Workhorse intends to start test flights of the concept vehicle this year and hopes to put it into mass production in late 2019.

The craft borrows design elements from this existing fleet of vehicles, to create an aircraft that the designers hope will be safer and more stable to fly, as well as being better for the environment.

Early models will be pilot-operated, but the goal is to introduce future models featuring autonomous flight capable of carrying payloads of up to 180 kg.

Workhorse believes the agricultural sector, emergency services, city commuters and the military may be among the early adopters of the technology.

The Surefly will feature a gas combustion* engine to generate electricity and a battery pack to store charge. Its carbon fiber* body and interior will allow the craft to remain lightweight, eliminating* the need for long battery charging periods between flights.

Workhorse envisages* a flying range of 112 km at a maximum altitude* of around 1,200 meters.

The helicopter also features an eight-armed layout, similar to those found in some models of drones.

Each of the four propeller* arms holds two fixed propellers that rotate in opposite directions, which would allow the helicopter to reach higher speeds and achieve greater efficiency.

The propellers will fold down to allow for more easy storage. It will also include a backup battery to drive the electric motors in the event of engine failure* and a ballistic* parachute that safely brings down the craft if needed.(SD-Agencies)