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Flying Car Transforms From Plane To Road Vehicle In Three Minutes

Flying Car Transforms From Plane To Road Vehicle In Three Minutes

It could be available to buy from next year

Amelia Ward

Amelia Ward

A new flying sports car has the capacity to transition from road vehicle to aircraft in just three minutes, according to its developers. Watch the promo vid here:

The aptly-named AirCar flew 1500ft in the air over Slovakia for a test flight, and can be seen driving on a runway before stopping to deploy its wings and then flying into the air. It can travel at a speed of around 620 miles at a time.

There is no set price for the vehicle yet, but it could be seen on the roads (and in the skies) from as early as 2021.

It also comes in different versions, with a two-seater or four-seater option, as well as different engine sizes.

Created by Slovakian firm KleinVision, this is the fifth prototype of the car. Developers say it has a multitude of potential uses, from leisure and self-driving journeys, to commercial uses such as taxi services.

The website reads: "AirCar is composed of several functional units. Its aerodynamic fuselage provides enough space for the passengers and, at the same time, contributes to better lift characteristics during the flight.

"Among advanced technologies are the retractable wings, folding tail surfaces, parachute deployment system, etc.

KleinVision

"The folding tail surfaces contribute to a better longitudinal stability and take-off characteristics, just like in a conventional aircraft. However, in the car mode, retracted tail results in a more compact size."

Anton Zajac, Klein Vision's co-founder, investor and pilot said: "With AirCar you will arrive at your destination without the hassle of getting a ride to the airport and passing through commercial security.

"You can drive your AirCar to the golf course, the office, the mall or your hotel and park it in a normal parking space."

Dr Branko Sarh, Boeing senior technical fellow explained: "The wing and tail deployment/retraction mechanism is very impressive, converting the automobile into an aeroplane.

"The cockpit providing space for the driver/pilot and a passenger is very roomy and nicely styled. The overall appearance of the flying car on road and in the air is superb."

Professor Stefan Klein, Klein Vision's CTO and test pilot added: "The key flight parameters confirmed all theoretical concepts and calculations that the development of the AirCar was based on.

"Following the completion of all required flight tests in compliance with [European Union Aviation Safety Agency] regulations, we will deliver a model with a certified ADEPT 300HP engine within the next six months."

Featured Image Credit: KleinVision

Topics: Technology, Cars