Topic: Evtol

Adam Curry mentions being invited to fly in a Chinook helicopter for the Formula One race in Austin but declining. This leads to a discussion about the history of helicopter disasters in Manhattan and the future of Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (EVTOL) aircraft. Jason Calacanis argues that EVTOLs will be safer than traditional helicopters due to redundant rotors, despite skepticism from the rest of the group.

The hosts express skepticism regarding the viability of fusion energy, comparing it to the "flying car" trope of perpetual future technology. While Microsoft is investing in fusion to power data centers, critics argue that current reactors still require more energy to operate than they produce. The discussion covers various designs, including the Tokamak and laser-based systems, but concludes they remain "faddish" toys rather than practical power sources.

The promised debut of electric "flying taxis" (eVTOLs) at the Paris Olympics has been downgraded to demonstration flights due to a lack of certification. The hosts discuss the technical limitations of battery-powered flight, noting that the power-to-weight ratio makes commercial air taxis currently unfeasible.