The year is now 2023. Few decades later, a look back at our current world will depict an ancient world still trapped in an era where you needed to buy an airline ticket and make a trip to the airport in order to board a flight. In that age, an airport will be as far as the nearest car park, landing pad or home garage.
The idea of flying cars originated from man’s desire to possess the freedom of escaping earth’s gravitational influence at will and at one’s own convenience. Since the begining of the 20th century, a personalized vehicle that would enable man to own this freedom has been one of the most coveted possessions; and as a result, attempts have been made towards the realization of this dream. Several concepts have been built, but only one of these had managed to stand out as the most successful since the 1950s. The vehicle was named Aerocar (depicted in the image below). Few of this American car-aircraft hybrid were built and received both roadworthy and airworthy approvals in the same decade.
Today, modern Flying cars have evolved into a variety of concepts. Some of these abide by the traditional idea, others are capable of vertical take off and landing, while another promising concept employs gyroscopic principle of flight. Propulsion methods have also been seen to differ as well as the sources of engine power (fuel or electric).
Recently, a Slovakian built flying car was just issued with an Airworthiness certificate. The vehicle, named Klein Vision aircar (Shown in the images below) was approved for flight in January 2022 by its local Transport Authority. The certificate was issued following a series of test flights, which also included 200 take offs and landings. The car-aircraft hybrid uses a set of retractable wings to generate lift, and is powered by a 1.6 Liter BMW engine which runs on regular pump petrol fuel.
The vehicle is capable of flight at altitudes above 8000 feet and speeds of over 100mph (160km/h). Transformation from car to aircraft takes 2 minutes and 15 seconds.
Another flying car, the PAL-V Liberty, which flies on gyroscopic principle is already road legal in the UK. The vehicle has already conducted multiple test flights successfully, and the manufacturer is currently in the process of seeking EASA Certification.
This is only the onset of the future of flying cars, and there are a couple of regulations in place to facilitate the safe and orderly development of this endeavor. Moving forward, more regulations are expected to be established as more prototypes become legalized; however, at present, these vehicles are required to meet both Roadworthiness and Airwothiness requirements; and In addition to these, one is required to have a pilot’s license in order to fly them.
Apart from the few vehicles that we have mentioned above, several other companies are also keen on venturing into this market. Some of the most viable and promising projects which are likely to be unveiled in the near furture include; The UBERAIR VTOL taxi, Terrafugia TF-X, DeLorean DR-7, the Airbus Vahana, Lilium jet, the Aeromobil, Toyota’s Skydive, and the VRCO NeoXCraft.
Aviation Talk 