Aircraft-cars: industry news
An innovative industry dedicated to creating unique hybrid vehicles is still evolving, but the pace is accelerating. How can we please the car plane one market?
AirCar
In November 2020, the Klein Vision company presented to the world its unique development – a hybrid of a car and an aircraft – AirCar with two folding wings. The Slovaks have created a real prototype of a transformer capable of turning from land transport to air.
AirCar is a cross between a hypercar and an airplane without wings. The specific design provides for the transportation of 4 people. Before taking off from the ground, AirCar shifts its tail a meter back and extends its wings, as well as the compartments with a lifting mechanism. This is how a mini-plane is made.
The transformation takes place in automatic mode, while the pilot can remain in the cockpit. The movement of the car is due to the operation of the engine located in the rear of the structure. The characteristics of the engine, as well as the speed that this aircraft-car is capable of in the air and on the ground, the company keeps in the strictest confidence.
A lightweight composite body structure, two engines instead of one, and even an amphibious model capable of splashing down – the company has very ambitious plans. By the way, AirCar is not the first brainchild of Klein Vision. The authorship of the Slovaks also belongs to the sports car Switchblade – the pilot managed to accelerate it on the aircraft lane to 141.5 km/h. It is predicted to be capable of reaching 300 km/h in the air.
Fiat Chrysler and flying cars
The American-Italian automobile concern FCA recently decided to participate in the implementation of an innovative project – air plane cars. Fiat Chrysler has signed an agreement with Archer (USA), and plans to present the first prototype of the aircraft soon.
The novelty is presented in the form of a small electric convertible plane with six screw motors, the task of which is to create lift during vertical flight and act as a thrust unit during horizontal flight. The maximum speed is 240 km/h. Without recharging the batteries, an airplane-car will be able to cover up to 100 km.
The partnership with Fiat Chrysler will give Archer access to the auto giant’s supplier base and affordable quality materials. According to official information, the partners are planning large-scale production. Serial launch will start in 2023.