Bentley, the iconic British luxury car brand, has announced an unprecedented technological breakthrough: its winged emblem, known as the “Flying B”, will be able to fly thanks to a drone patented by José María Ortega Hernández, a Spanish engineer with a brilliant track record in innovation.
Ortega, who rose to international fame with his space agriculture project, known as the Green Moon Project, has collaborated with Bentley to develop this technology that fuses automotive and aeronautics in a truly original “gadget” or “feature” that will have the quality standards that have always represented the brand.
The engineer has patented a fusion of the Flying B with a drone giving flying life to the Bentley’s presiding mascot. It is a drone that allows the “Flying B” emblem to take off, fly and return to the vehicle autonomously, transforming a classic symbol into a piece of advanced technology. Flying the Bentley Flying B serves as a tribute to W.O. Bentley, as well as to the brand’s aeronautical origins.
Promises safety and functionality
This “Flying B” drone is not only an aesthetic advance, but also promises a series of functionalities that will improve the safety of Bentley users. Ortega highlights that the incorporation of a drone to the emblem opens a range of possibilities in this area. Among the potential functionalities are:
– Emergency lighting: The drone will be able to illuminate the vehicle from the air in the event of a nighttime accident, facilitating visibility to alert emergency services.
– Guidance to the owner: In situations of poor visibility or in unfamiliar environments, the drone will be able to guide the owner to the vehicle.
– Parking search: The drone will be able to overtake the vehicle to identify and secure an available parking space.
– Alternative routes: On less traveled or difficult to access roads, the drone will be able to act as a flying support to the driver of the vehicle, advising him on which route would be the most optimal.
– Capturing unique moments: Thinking of the diversity of Bentley users, from footballers and celebrities to influencers and YouTubers, the “Flying B” drone allows aerial shots that capture the essence of luxury and exclusivity. Owners can use the drone to take selfies or record videos from spectacular angles creating unique and sophisticated content for for its followers.
“This innovation is not only a milestone in design, but also opens the door to future applications. I can imagine implementing this technology in mass production in the future,” said Ortega, who sees great potential in this innovation for the industry.
The patent was first registered in the UK as “Vehicle Based Drone” and later globally as “Vehicle with a mascot fixed to a drone”.
The flying “Flying B” will initially be available on the Flying Spur and is expected to be available on the New Continental GT making a big impact among collectors and motoring enthusiasts. In addition to its aesthetic function, the flying mascot offers a more personalized and futuristic driving experience, interacting with other vehicle systems.
The launch of this technology coincides with Bentley’s centenary, reaffirming the brand not only as a benchmark of luxury and elegance, but also as a leader in the integration of new technologies in the global automotive industry.
Relationship with Bentley Marbella
José María Ortega maintains a close relationship with Bentley Marbella, where he has collaborated on several occasions, contributing to product presentations and participating in informative round tables on technology applied to Bentley. These collaborations have allowed Ortega to share her innovative vision and technical knowledge with customers and enthusiasts of the brand, thus strengthening her bond with Bentley Marbella.
