Flying cars are a real fetish for many futurists and motorists: what could be more beautiful than taking to the skies on a winged horse? Inventors are constantly creating and improving more and more new models of flying cars, but only a few of them are really worthy of flight. In this review - best models and concepts of modern flying cars.
1. Moller Skycar М400.
This "car", resembling a cross between racing car With spaceship, it seems, can really soar. Its flying abilities are based on the thrust of propellers, and you need to "feed" the winged horse with alcohol or kerosene. 1200 kilometers at a speed of more than 550 kilometers per hour with a fuel consumption of 10 liters per 100 km - that's what the creators promise. There is only one downside to this project: it looks like this is a grandiose swindle, designed to deceive investors, and last test flying car were held in 2003.
2.
concept car YEE, the gold medalist of the Beijing International Automotive Concept Competition, is not only interesting for its design. One of the main criteria of the competition was the possibility of creating a machine in metal and launching it into production. All technical solutions used in YEE, or already exist, or should appear in the next couple of years - so by the end of the decade, "Maybugs" may be rushing between skyscrapers.
3. .
Terrafugia Transition not too similar to a car - its wings were spread out too wide and powerfully. In the air, the speed of this bird will be over 185 kilometers per hour, and on the highway - 105 km / h. Switching to airplane mode and back will take about half a minute. What is especially pleasant, the launch of the model in production should begin this year, and such a machine will cost about $ 200,000.
4. Flying saucer.
It's wonderful vehicle almost antique. Its tests took place back in 1989, bringing the first fame to the company Moller. Despite the fact that the "UFO" eats an incredible amount of fuel, it is unreliable, fire hazardous and will never go into mass production, He is flying! And it makes a truly mystical impression. However, it is almost a hoax. A prototype of this car could be bought on e-Bay for $15,000 a couple of years ago. It made our list solely because of its unique design.
5. Flying buggy.
Lightweight car design Parajet Sky Car, coupled with a solid propeller, allows it to soar into the sky. To do this, you just need to release a parachute. Real thrill-seekers can experiment with take-offs right from the track. However, as a city flying transport, a parachute buggy, of course, is not suitable: not only takeoff is problematic, but also landing.
6. .
Maverick Sport- another fine example of a flying car with a parachute. From the previous participant in our review, it differs in design, which will appeal to lovers of automotive antiquity. And the level of comfort and safety in it is higher than in Parajet Sky Car.
7. Helicopter-transformer.
The idea of a flying car with a propeller was continued in the concept from the office ZEEP Design. The machine, resembling a futuristic wheelchair, transforms into an insect-like helicopter with a flick of the wrist. In urban conditions, the helicopter also has a lot of disadvantages (even if we forget about the price), but if the "dragonfly" still takes off, its bizarre design will find its admirers.
8. Pal-V: motorcycle and helicopter.
This concept differs from the previous one in a smaller number of wheels, but structurally it is very similar to it: a lightweight body and mechanisms, and the presence of a helicopter propeller. It is assumed that the motorcycle will be able to fly at a speed of 185 km / h, but its fuel consumption is a secret with seven seals.
9. Flying shark.
Flying concept car Audi Shark should cut the roads of the future, relying on air cushion(apparently, there is a screen effect in mind). The designers did their best to convey the "philosophy Audi design", but did not think about our poor descendants, who will have to steer such a vehicle that promises to be practically uncontrollable. However, it will not take off until artificial gravity is discovered.
10. Fuzo flying drop.
No matter how far removed from reality the previous concept car may seem, it easily beats Fuzo, oriented, as conceived by designers, for the 60s of the XXI century. The wheels in it must somehow turn into turbines, and then accelerate the car to new horizons. How many Martian Space Marines fit in such a machine depends on the model.
It remains to be summarized that real flying cars are still rare, and they are more like airplanes. But we believe that sooner or later humanity will still fulfill its age-old dream of automobiles and aircraft: there are too many designers and designers who are racking their brains over it.
Image copyright PAL-V Image caption Liberty - flying car Dutch company Pal-V
Now that the Dutch company Pal-V has unveiled its new gyroplane car at the Geneva Motor Show, it's time to ask ourselves: can the dream of a flying car become a reality?
"007 was here" - reads graffiti on the Pal-V booth of the Geneva Motor Show. And next to it is a vehicle that would do honor to James Bond himself.
A Dutch firm has just launched the first flying car on the market.
This is a compact three-wheeled machine that can show itself on the highway, and then take off using a folding propeller.
So does the advent of such a device mean that air travel will become more affordable, or will flying cars be toys for the rich?
The car was named Liberty. According to the existing classification of aircraft, this is an autogyro, or a gyrocopter.
In other words, the Dutch car uses a rotor like a helicopter to create vertical thrust, and the horizontal speed is given to it by a pusher propeller located in the rear. The machine is equipped with two engines with a capacity of 100 horsepower.
I remember James Bond using something similar in the movie You Only Live Twice. That nimble vehicle was called Little Nellie - and today the Dutch company is clearly flattered by such a comparison.
But the Liberty is bigger, more comfortable and road-ready - not a gyroplane in the usual sense.
Both in heaven and on earth
On the ground, the car uses one of two engines and is capable of accelerating to 160 km/h - the driver can land and immediately continue to their destination on the road.
According to Pal-V engineers, this is made possible by a design that allows the car to lean into corners while maintaining stability despite the three-wheel design.
Image copyright LEON NEAL/AFP/GETTY IMAGES Image caption "Baby Nellie" - James Bond's gyrocopter from the movie "You Only Live Twice"This feature should be the main advantage of the car on the market.
The executive director of the Dutch company says that the main inconvenience associated with the use of small aircraft is the inability to take off from where you want and land where you want.
“But if you have the ability not only to fly, but also to drive on the ground, then you can start your journey right from the garage doors and go straight to where you want,” he says. “This is what we call 3D mobility ".
But gyroplanes have a number of drawbacks, says Professor Harry Hoster, head of the Energy Research Center at Lancaster University.
"Gyroplanes can land in a very small area, unlike conventional helicopters," he says. "But they still need some space to take off, though not much, but run-up space, so they can't take off from helipads on top of buildings." .
In addition, you will have problems in densely populated areas, because the propeller needs free space to operate," he adds.
In his opinion, noise can become another problem when using gyroplanes in the city.
Image copyright BarcroftMedia/TASS Image caption Flying car TF-X TerrafugiaPal-V isn't the only company trying to make flying cars affordable. Other areas in which development is underway are the use of schemes with wings, including folding ones.
For example, the American Terrafugia, whose controlling stake was recently acquired by one of the largest Chinese car makers Geely, has developed a flying car whose wings fold after the flight.
Terrafugia chief Chris Jaran told the BBC: "You can put our car in the garage, you can drive it to the airport, you can unfold the wings, you can fly to any other airport, you can fold your wings again and you can drive to your destination."
The gasoline-powered car has a speed of 113 km/h on the highway, 160 km/h in the air and meets all US standards for cars and aircraft, Jaran says.
Terrafugia founders Anna and Carl Dietrich hope that their device will speed up the time when personal aviation becomes affordable. But the price of this vehicle - 280 thousand dollars - cannot be called affordable.
Having to go to the airport to take off is also significant disadvantage this design, the creators admit.
For this reason, in development is a new version TF-X equipped with a vertical takeoff and landing propeller.
Image copyright Aeromobil Image caption flying car Slovak company AeroMobil could go on sale in 2020 for about $1.2 millionThe Slovak company AeroMobil is also working on a winged car. Its wings retract after landing. Moving on wheels on the ground, the device uses an electric motor, and in the air it sets in motion gasoline engine. It can be yours for a mere $1.2 million.
Nick Wirth, CTO of Wirth Research, which helps build racing cars and drones, says the biggest hurdle to flying car adoption will not be technological issues, but regulatory issues.
“It took a hundred years to develop rules for the use and control of aircraft. It takes years to get clear instructions that can be used by pilots. Because the cost of error or breakdown in flying an aircraft is much higher than in driving a car,” Wirth says.
Traffic jams in the air
"There is a huge difference between driving and maintaining a car and an airplane," he stresses.
Existing regulations will require all owners of flying cars to have a flying license - another potential barrier to the mass distribution of such devices.
"The problem is that the production of such a product requires such serious regulation and such complex technologies that in the end its cost rises to exorbitant heights, Wirth adds. - Is there a demand for such products? Possibly, but it will be extremely limited."
He is echoed by the deputy editor-in-chief of the Royal Society of Aeronautics magazine Aerospace Bill Reid: “If there are many such machines, then in the air you will get an analogue of traffic jams, you will have to establish air corridors, determine flight altitudes and introduce other rules governing the movement of aircraft of this type over cities."
Flying taxis seem like a more realistic prospect to him than publicly available flying cars.
According to Pal-V, the Liberty was designed from the ground up to meet all the regulatory requirements for cars and aircraft. But just like its main competitors, the price of this machine cannot be called affordable.
Cars limited edition, which will go on sale first, will cost more than 600 thousand dollars, but the price of the standard version can unpleasantly surprise you: about 370 thousand dollars. At the same time, the company plans to sell about a thousand cars a year.
I wonder if the new James Bonds are already lining up?
From a utopia, flying cars have become a reality. Today we can talk about 10 models real cars capable of taking to the skies.
Review
People have dreamed of flying for a long time. Thanks to this, the airplane was created more than 100 years ago. Then mankind got acquainted with helicopters and airplanes. But about those who conquered their hearts appearance and the speed of flying cars from science fiction films one could only dream of.
For more than a hundred years, many companies have been working on their creation. Finally, we managed to get the process off the ground.
Flying AeroMobil
The Slovak company AeroMobil has been working since 1990 on the creation of a flying car. More than one prototype was created, a lot of tests were carried out. The vehicle was successfully tested in 2016. Observers of the flight said that the sight was impressive!
Finally, they started talking about its serial sale.
The flying car, according to the developers, runs on gasoline, feels great on highways. But, most importantly, a flying car is able to take to the air. All he needs to take off is 200 meters of level pavement, 50 m is enough for landing. It can land on any flat area if there is no track nearby.
What is known?
Filling
For the manufacture of the skeleton, steel and carbon fiber were used - a very light and durable modern material.
The flying car is simply crammed with modern devices:
- autopilot;
- perfect navigation,
- night flight system;
- rescue parachutes.
To turn from land transport on the plane, 20 seconds is enough for him.
Price
Little is known about her. But, it is clear that you will have to lay out a lot of money. According to rumors, this is at least 300 thousand euros. Indeed, a lot. With this money you can buy your own two-seater helicopter or a comfortable 5-seater aircraft.
Characteristics
The car that can fly is named AeroMobil 3.0. His Rotax 192 engine has a capacity of 100 "horses". Thanks to power unit on the road maximum speed can reach a mark of 160 km / h, in the sky - 200. But, for take-off, you must have 250 meters of a flat and free road, for landing you can limit yourself to 50 m.
As well as the technical parameters include:
- width, in cm - 2200;
- length, in cm - 600 meters;
- wingspan, cm - 8300;
- motor power - 100 hp;
- front drive. He pushes the front wheels and propeller;
- consumption - 16 l / h;
- Max flight range - 700 km;
- ground power reserve - 875 km;
- takeoff speed - 10 km / h.
Control
In order to be behind the wheel of a fantastic flying car, a driver's license alone is not enough. You will need to unlearn flight courses (or turn to a professional private pilot) in order to obtain a document giving the right to aerial piloting.
Folding fenders and wheels are made of super strong carbon fiber. The weight of the transformer without fuel and passenger weight is 450 kg. The flying Slovak car resembles the US Terrafugia Transition in size:
While the flying car is designed for 2 people, despite the size, worthy of a limousine. But, the company's plans are far-reaching, so "not far off" they plan to please with a 4-seater model.
Video
Video: AeroMobil 3 0 Official Video 1920×1080
Terrafugia Transition
A real car that can fly is a novelty of the current year. We can see an incredible means of transportation on land and air thanks to developing technologies.
Review
It is a Boston drone TF-X four-seat sedan.
The developer equipped it with two electric motors and the same number of wings that can take two positions: horizontal - in preparation for takeoff and vertical - when moving on the ground. Thanks to the ability of the wings to fold, the unique airplane car fits easily in a regular garage. And he also has a 300-horsepower internal combustion engine.
Thanks to additional propellers and a tunnel fan in the tail, the flying car does not care where to land and where to take off. It doesn't have to have a runway at all.
Speed
Its maximum value reaches 320 km / h, and the distance covered by a flying machine is 800 km.
Control
It is automatic. Therefore, a pilot is not required. It is enough just to enter the appropriate item into the control system so that the transport starts moving in a given direction.
In an unusual situation, the driver of a flying miracle has the opportunity to make an emergency landing or stop.
Anyone who has driver license and completed a pilot training course.
Price
The price of such a miracle transport, which will appear by 2025, will reach 279 thousand euros. But, in the future, it will decline and perhaps someday a flying car will become as common as a classic one.
Video
Video: The Terrafugia TF-X
Safety
She gets the most attention. A flying car developer claims that flying an air car that can travel 1,000 km in the air in 3 hours is safer than driving on roads.
Other companies are also working on the creation of flying cars, an example of which is another hybrid of a car and an airplane.
Moller Skycar М400
Review
What is not sold on the Internet. Here is the flying car - the creation of Moller International, already up for sale on eBay. Truth at an exorbitant price - 1 million dollars.
True, the potential buyer will not be able to take it into the air. Until the ban imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration of America is lifted.
The flying M400 Skycar was created by Professor Paul Moller, an employee of the University of Davis.
Today, the American company Athena Technologies and China are showing interest in his project, wishing to host production capacity for the production of such flying cars. Therefore, the developer's place has a chance to come true.
An investor has already been found who is ready to invest 80 million dollars in production. Thanks to the fortunate circumstances, preparations have already begun for the serial production of a car capable of flying.
The takeoff and landing of a flying car will be vertical, and this requires careful preparation. The transformer is designed for 4 passengers.
The maximum speed that a flying car will develop is very tempting - 610 km / h. But, it is unlikely that everyone will be able to buy it, since the price is expected to be half a million dollars.
Options
- number of seats - 4;
- takeoff - vertical;
- fuel - gasoline;
- consumption per 100 km - 8.5 liters;
- speed in the air - 610 (at an altitude of 6 km), 480 (8.8 km), 225 (at sea level);
- flight range - 1450 km;
- motor - 645 hp
Video
Video: M400X Demonstration flight
Pal-V
Review
The flying car created by the Dutch is called the Pal-V. In the near future, anyone who has the right amount.
A flying machine, with minimal risk to the user, can “soar” straight up from the path near the house and without it - from the runway of a small airfield. Of course, it is not intended to take off a flying car stuck in a traffic jam, since this is fraught with danger. A driver with a license to operate an aircraft, without which one cannot become the owner of a curiosity, will easily get, turning the steering wheel, to any place by air.
And, if necessary, after landing in the right place, you can get there, as in a regular car.
The novelty is a mixture of a gyroplane with folding blades on a main rotor, and a tricycle that is capable of tilting when cornering.
This flying car distinguishes from rare analogues rear drive and permission (quite legal) to travel on motorways. He has all the elements necessary for this.
In flight mode, all the power power plant aimed at spinning the propeller of a flying car.
It is driven by a double propulsion system. Its power corresponds to 100 "horses" in "terrestrial conditions" and 200 - in the air.
Fuel
The flying machine runs on fuel:
- AI-95-98;
- aviation gasoline;
- a mixture of ethanol and gasoline in a ratio of 1:9.
In the incarnation of a car, the structure accelerates easily up to 160 km / h with an acceleration of up to hundreds of 9 seconds. The covered path is 1315 km, and the consumption per hundred is 7.6 liters.
Dimensions
For road driving structure has the following dimensions:
- length - 4 m;
- width - 2m;
- height - 1.7 m.
In flight mode:
- length - 6.1 m;
- width -2m;
- height - 3.2 m;
- screw diameter - 10.75 m.
By air Liberty car capable of flying up to 500 km. The figure will change depending on the load. But the tank will not be empty. There will remain a reserve, which is enough to soar 3.5 km up and accelerate to 180 km / h.
A flying car needs 180m of flat ground to take off and 30m to land. Average consumption fuel is 26 l / h.
Weight
An empty (without passengers and fuel) flying car weighs 664 kg, designed for two and luggage weighing 20 kg. To this add 100 liters of fuel. As a result, the maximum takeoff weight reaches 910 kg.
Who is interested?
The flying car is designed more for Europe and America, since the network of private airfields is well developed there. But, it is planned that 90 first copies will go to the USA for sale, 10 to Europe.
Price
In addition to the cost of the device, it includes the amount for the introductory course and the training conducted by the designer. The "net" price for Europeans is 499 thousand euros plus tax, for Americans - 599 thousand euros.
Later, a cheaper version was promised by the manufacturer. The cost of which lies in the range of 299-300 thousand euros.
Already today you can make pre-orders for this car and make deposits in the amount 10-25 thousand dollars. Deliveries are promised by the end of the year.
Video
Video: Pal-V Flying Car, World's First Flying Car Production Model
Parajet Sky Car
Review
The idea of creating a flying car is not new. For him to appear in real life had to make an effort. And now the flying car is already flying from London to African Tumbuktu. This is a Parajet SkyCar. Which takes 3 minutes to transform from a car into a plane.
Two big companies - Parajet International Ltd and Rage Motorsport Ltd made a deal, so it is quite possible that soon everyone will be able to purchase such a transformer.
True, it will cost a lot. The design itself will be made by the second company, and the first will deal with the details for the flights.
Chassis
The manufacturer gave the flying car a completely new chassis, which reduced the weight of the air car by 80 kilograms.
The car was also equipped with:
- rear parachute;
- increased legroom;
- three-cylinder Yamaha engine with gasoline injection.
Aircraft power is higher. Than the models occupying the top positions in the TOP-11 - 140 horsepower.
Speed
Acceleration to hundreds in ground conditions requires only 4.5 minutes. Speed is limited to 180 km/h. The path covered is 400 km.
In the air, a car, which was used to create innovative technologies, flies at a speed of 110 km / h (in the future they promise 160), flying up to 300 km. Its take-off reach is 60 km/h, and the cruising altitude is 900 meters (maximum is 4500 m).
Video
Video: The Parajet SkyCar's First Flight
Maverick Sport
The flying machine, ranked 6th in the TOP-11 by I-TEC, is both a car and a paraglider. She doesn't need wings or anti-gravity technology.
The company decided to use parachutes for flights. Moreover, to do this precisely for being in the air, and not to use them, as in superfast cars, to help the braking system.
Differences
The main one is that, unlike analogues (albeit already at the stage of mass production), this air car is already on sale.
Design
In appearance, it resembles a golf cart, so it looks a little unusual. If you do not take into account the propeller and parachute, then this is an ordinary, albeit lightweight, car. But he flies!
Flight principle
It was borrowed from a motor paraglider. The flying car was equipped with a large steam engine and a “wing” parachute. Having released it during movement, the structure, quickly picking up speed, soars up, driven along it thanks to the thrust that the screw in the rear provides.
Safety
In order to protect themselves and road users from injury, the driver of an air car takes off and lands only on unloaded routes.
Video
Video: Flying Car — Maverick 2
kitty hawk
Fifth place in the TOP-11 was taken by an all-electric design with vertical takeoff and landing - electric car kitty hawk.
What is known about him?
According to the developers, it will take only a few minutes to confidently fly this machine. To do this, the flying car has joysticks, similar to those used in computer games.
Design
Outwardly, the prototype looks like a huge dragon, under the grid of which there are 8 rotors that lift it into the sky.
It is registered as an ultralight vehicle, so users do not need to issue a license to fly. They promise to present the airmobile already this year.
Price
There is no exact figure on how much you will need to pay for the aircar, but those who pay a three-year membership fee of $100 are promised priority in the queue and a $2,000 discount.
Video
Video: Introducing the Kitty Hawk Flyer
Airbus
The dream of people about overcoming long distances, which will not be hindered by annoying traffic jams decided to bring to life in the German corporation Airobus.
In Geneva, the developers presented an aircraft that makes it possible to glide through the air over a highway clogged with traffic jams - a flying Airbus.
The hybrid is equipped with two modules - wheels for ground movement and propellers for air flight.
Operating principle
The passenger only needs to get into the car, designed for two, and indicate the destination. The drone will independently lay out a route in order to optimally quickly reach the specified place. He will decide how it is easier to do it - by air or by road.
On ordinary roads it should appear in five years.
Video
Video: PopUp
surefly
On the third step of the TOP-11, a flying car made of carbon fiber is an octocopter designed for 2 passengers.
Description
It has 4 wings and 8 screws that are fixed from the bottom of the wings. Paired screws rotate in the opposite direction, which has a positive effect on the stability of the model.
The device is equipped with a gas engine capable of generating energy. Necessary to drive 8 electric motors.
In addition, the flying car has two lithium battery capable, in the event of a motor failure, to take over the function of unwinding the screws. For the final version, a parachute will be provided.
Characteristics
- The highest flight speed is 113 km / h;
- With a fully charged battery, the travel distance is 112 km;
- Permissible payload - 180 kg, i.e. is the weight of the pilot, passenger and cargo.
Price
Workhorse plans for later models use autonomous control, but for now it's a joystick controller. Those who wish should be ready for serial production by 2020. In the meantime, they have time to collect the required amount - 200 thousand dollars. This will be the price of the first samples.
Video
Video: SureFly personal octocopter revealed by the Workhorse Group
AeroMobil
Review
This futuristic flying car of the Slovak company was presented in Vienna 4 years ago. After the presentation, the company received investments, the amount of which amounted to 3 million euros, and plunged headlong into work.
At the exhibition held in Monaco (April 20), the next generation transformer was presented. Developers make "hundreds of changes", improving its design and performance.
The Slovaks do not need to prove anything, because their offspring rides and flies perfectly.
Technical indicators
- The speed developed on the roads and in the air is 160 and 200 km / h, respectively;
- Mileage on the ground and in the sky - 875 and 700 km;
- The length of the car reaches almost six meters;
- Width in car and airplane mode - 2.2 m and almost 9;
- Tank volume - 90 liters;
- Fuel - gasoline;
- Acceleration to 100 km - 10 seconds;
- Takeoff - at 130 km / h.
Price
Pre-orders will begin to be accepted this year. And the announced price will be from 1,200,000 euros to 1,500,000 euros.
Video
Video: AeroMobil 3.0 — official video
The boxer "four", which the hybrid is equipped with, supplies energy to 2 electric motors.
He has a front-wheel drive, power in automotive mode- 110 hp and 300 in aviation.
Salon
It fits two adults. Take-off weight (maximum) - up to 960 kg.
It takes 3 minutes to get the car into takeoff mode.
Safety
Belts and airbags are responsible for it (on the ground). In the air, this issue is solved by integrated parachutes with automatic opening.
The Lilium Jet
Description
This model is the leader of TOP-11. An aircraft powered by electricity. It is equipped with 36 electric motors, thanks to which it is possible to reach sky-high speeds of 300 km/h. It is clear that transporting a person to the right place will not cause him any problems.
His maximum load limited to 200 kg, which corresponds in weight to the mass of two, large people or three with an average weight.
He does not need a runway, since landing and takeoff are carried out vertically.
Below is a diagram showing the cost of riding a Lilium Jet.
perspective
The developers received investments from the European Space Agency, which amounted to 10 million euros. Thanks to them, tests will continue and the release of this car will come closer, which will save you from standing in traffic jams.
Price
The car has already made its first flight. Its cost, due to the minimum requirements, can be close to classic car. The speed will be five times more - 300 km / h. In terms of noise level, it exceeds even an ordinary motorcycle. It consumes 90% less energy compared to conventional aircraft.
In the future, it is planned to increase the capacity.
Video
Video: Flying electric car Lilium Jet made the first test field
| You can ask your questions on the topic of the presented article by leaving your comment at the bottom of the page. Deputy will answer you CEO driving school "Mustang" for academic work High School Teacher, Candidate technical sciences Kuznetsov Yury Alexandrovich |
The frantic rhythm of life in megacities every year is getting stronger and stronger stuck in traffic jams for many hours, making humanity think more and more seriously about expanding the road not at the expense of additional lanes for traffic on the existing carriageway, but by creating additional “carriageways” over existing ones. From this desire, the so-called “flying car” matured over time, which had to faithfully serve its owner both on earth and in heaven. A flying car is a vehicle that combines the properties of a car and an aircraft. Moreover, the ratio of these properties in various models may be different.
That is, for some developments, the formula: "a car, but flying" may be more valid. For other developments, the formula is more correct: " aircraft It is clear that the former are mostly better at driving than flying. The latter, on the contrary, are better at flying than driving. However, for both of them, not only the ability to fly and move on the ground is important. year His detailed plan matured in the head of Robert Fulton, a relative of the inventor steam engine. Fulton called his brainchild Airphibian ("Flying Amphibian"). The Airphibian became the first flying car in the world to be certified by the US Civil Aeronautics Administration, the predecessor of the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). The flying car had good characteristics: for example, it was equipped six-cylinder engine, maximum power which was determined by the mark of 150 horsepower. The aircar could hover above the ground at a speed of about 200 km per hour and travel along the road at speeds up to 80 km per hour. The wings and tail section of this aircraft were removed and the propeller attached to the fuselage. About converting an airplane into a car and vice versa, Fulton said that "a housewife can do it alone in five minutes."
Fulton's flying car could have a great future, however, as often happens, the designer failed to find sponsors to give life to his iron brainchild - so the air car project was shelved, but who knows, maybe someday this car will find its place.
Today there is a large number of development of flying machines.
Here is their original TOP 10.
1.Moller Skycar М400.
This "car", resembling a cross between a racing car and a spaceship, seems to really be able to soar. Its flying abilities are based on the thrust of propellers, and you need to "feed" the winged horse with alcohol or kerosene. 1200 kilometers at a speed of more than 550 kilometers per hour with a fuel consumption of 10 liters per 100 km - that's what the creators promise. There is only one downside to this project: it seems to be a grandiose swindle, designed to deceive investors, and the last tests of a flying car took place in 2003.
2. Beetle car.
The YEE concept car, a gold medal winner at the Beijing International Automotive Concept Competition, is not only interesting for its design. One of the main criteria of the competition was the possibility of creating a machine in metal and launching it into production. All the technical solutions used in YEE either already exist or should appear in the next couple of years - so by the end of the decade, "Maybugs" may be rushing between skyscrapers.
3. Road plane. Terrafugia Transition
It does not look too much like a car - its wings are too wide and powerful. In the air, the speed of this bird will be over 185 kilometers per hour, and on the highway - 105 km / h. What is especially pleasant, the launch of the model in production should begin this year, and such a machine will cost about $ 200,000.
4. Flying saucer.
This marvelous vehicle is almost an antique. Its tests took place back in 1989, bringing the first fame to the company Moller. Despite the fact that the "UFO" eats an incredible amount of fuel, is unreliable, fire hazardous and will never go into mass production, it flies! And it makes a truly mystical impression. However, it is almost a hoax. A prototype of this car could be bought on e-Bay for $15,000 a couple of years ago. It made our list solely because of its unique design.
5. Flying buggy.
Lightweight car design Parajet Sky Car, coupled with a solid propeller, allows it to soar into the sky. To do this, you just need to release a parachute. Real thrill-seekers can experiment with take-offs right from the track. However, as a city flying transport, a parachute buggy, of course, is not suitable: not only takeoff is problematic, but also landing
6. Paragliding car
Maverick Sport- another fine example of a flying car with a parachute. From the previous participant in our review, it differs in design, which will appeal to lovers of automotive antiquity. And the level of comfort and safety in it is higher than in Parajet Sky Car.
7. Helicopter-transformer.
The idea of a flying car with a propeller was continued in the concept from the office ZEEP Design. The machine, resembling a futuristic wheelchair, transforms into an insect-like helicopter with a flick of the wrist. In urban conditions, the helicopter also has a lot of disadvantages (even if we forget about the price), but if the "dragonfly" still takes off, its bizarre design will find its admirers.
8. Pal-V: motorcycle and helicopter.
This concept differs from the previous one in a smaller number of wheels, but structurally it is very similar to it: a lightweight body and mechanisms, and the presence of a helicopter propeller. It is assumed that the motorcycle will be able to fly at a speed of 185 km / h, but its fuel consumption is a secret with seven seals.
9. Flying shark.
Flying concept car Audi Shark should cut through the roads of the future, relying on an air cushion (apparently, there is a screen effect in mind). The designers have gone to great lengths to convey the "Audi Design Philosophy" but have not thought of our poor descendants who will have to drive a vehicle that promises to be almost uncontrollable. However, it will not take off until artificial gravity is discovered.
10. Fuzo flying drop.
No matter how far removed from reality the previous concept car may seem, it easily beats Fuzo, oriented, as conceived by designers, for the 60s of the XXI century. The wheels in it must somehow turn into turbines, and then accelerate the car to new horizons. How many Martian Space Marines fit in such a machine depends on the model.
As we have already said in the review of the most interesting developments of a flying car, the most realistic is the American model Terrafugia Transition.
The airplane has already made its six first flights in Orange County, New York. The revolutionary vehicle can fly 640 km without refueling, while fuel consumption is 7.84 liters per 100 km. Once landed, the Terrafugia Transition folds its wings in 15 seconds and can continue down the highway as a two-seater. It is comparable in size to famous model Cadillac Escalade. While driving around the city, the car consumes the same 7.84 liters per hundred, on the highway its “appetite” decreases to 5.88 liters. The car-aircraft uses not aviation, but ordinary high-octane gasoline as fuel, which can be refueled at any gas station.
The creators of a flying car still do not recommend taking off and landing on the road, although it needs a very small lane to accelerate. It is assumed that the owners of Terrafugia will use small airfields, the number of which in America exceeds 5 thousand.
It is assumed that from 50 to 200 such machines will be produced annually. It is rather difficult to estimate the size of the market, given that almost all adult Americans have a driver's license, while about 600,000 US residents have a small aircraft pilot's license.
However, until now, Terrafugia has not yet received permission to manufacture its aircraft. To do this, the Transition must satisfy the requirements of two different regulatory entities: the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, which licenses model cars, and the Federal Aviation Administration, which licenses model aircraft. For obvious reasons, both structures use fundamentally different evaluation criteria.
However, the developers are already accepting pre-orders for the Transition. The down payment is $10,000 and total cost- 194 thousand dollars.
It is gratifying to note that Russian inventors are not far behind foreign colleagues and have developed a domestic flying car "LARK - 4"
"LARK-4" - a four-seat aircraft for personal use
BRIEF CHARACTERISTICS OF THE AIRCAR LARK-4:
- Storage in a regular car garage;
- Takeoff and landing on a dirt platform 27-30 m.;
- Ultra-low takeoff and landing speed - 43 km / h;
- Flight speed range from 43 to 750 km/h;
- Triple duplication of the engine. Flight on auxiliary engines (with main engine off) at speeds up to 250 and 180 km/h;
- Consumption diesel fuel 10.9 kg per 100 km;
- Flight range with 4 people on board - 1510 km, with two - 3400 km .;
- Safety net of the pilot's actions by the on-board control computer. Transition to automatic flight and landing in critical situations.
- Auxiliary function - driving in car mode on the highway, with wheel drive from any of the 2 auxiliary engines, at speeds up to 65 km per hour;
The cost of one LARK-4 air vehicle, with a production capacity of 120 vehicles per year, will be slightly less than 495 thousand euros per 1 vehicle. The market value of one LARK-4 air vehicle, at which it will be in real demand on the market, can range from 800 thousand to 1 million 500 thousand euros.
Greetings to fans of the wonderful film "Back to the Future". This homemade product is just for you, and to be more precise, for your children. In this instruction, I will tell you how to create what we dreamed of as children as children - about our car. And it will not just be a car, it will be a real flying DeLorean! Your child will be delighted with such a homemade product.
If you wish, you can modify the kart by equipping it with an engine, the easiest way to do this is with a screwdriver. Specifically, this instruction is a kind of scooter, that is, you can only ride from a hill, well, or if someone will drag it. It's sad, but fixable!
Almost all homemade products are made of wood, the frame is made of timber. Also here you will need plywood, boards and other materials that can be easily found. As for the wheels and other details, then you will need old scooters, wheels from children's bicycles or strollers, and more. The car is assembled quite easily, the child will cope with this task, it will be especially interesting and useful to assemble such a car together. For passers-by, homemade will cause a lot of delight. So, let's start manufacturing.
Materials and tools used
List of materials:
- wooden beam;
- boards;
- fastening corners;
- wheels from children's bicycles or similar;
- two old scooters;
- wheels from trolleys, skateboards or the like;
- aluminum corner;
- door hinges (stronger);
- bicycle cables;
- bolts, nuts, washers, screws, etc.
List of tools:
- ;
- drill;
- ;
- spanners;
- screwdrivers.
Optionally, we use paint, LEDs, etc. to detail the car.
Vehicle manufacturing process:
Step one. How is everything arranged?
The principle of operation is very simple. The main wheels are attached to the frame through hinges, as a result, when the frame is raised up, the wheels fold automatically. You can return them to their original position using cables that are connected to each wheel. When the car "flies", it actually continues to ride on hidden wheels. Here the author needed wheels from a skateboard. And up the body is lifted by human power thanks to several levers.
Step two. Assembling the frame
The frame is very simple, it is made of timber. Cut the desired blanks, and then assemble the frame using self-tapping screws. As well as steel corners. Do not spare self-tapping screws, the frame must be strong, the safety of the child will depend on this!
Step three. Installing the wheels
To install the wheels, you will need 4 strong door hinges. We fasten them to the frame with good screws, and then we fasten the wheels to the hinges. As a result, when the frame is raised, they should fold horizontally.
As for the front wheels, they must turn. Here you will need metal brackets or something similar. What is at stake, look at the photo. At this step, we get a frame with wheels.
Step four. Fitting the front countersunk wheel
For this step we need steering part from a scooter. We fasten it with a bolt and nut, as the author in the photo. As a result, we get a finished steering wheel, which will allow you to control the car when it “soars”. To raise the frame and “fly up”, the steering wheel will need to be pushed forward from you.
Step five. Steering installation
You will need a map to steer the main front wheels steering from another scooter. Remove the wheel from it and cut off one part of the fork. We attach the steering to the frame using metal mounting brackets.
After that, you can install the steering arm. Here you will need an aluminum corner or something similar. Attach the lever to knuckles”, and in the center with a bolt and nut we connect it to the steering shaft. Make sure the steering works and nothing is stuck anywhere.
Step six. Installing the rear wheels
For the manufacture of the rear thrust wheels, you will need two steel square pipes, as well as two wheels from the trolley or something suitable. To install the levers, we fasten the corners to the frame, and then we fasten the levers to the corners with the help of bolts. Now we attach handles to the installed levers like the author’s. As a result, when you take hold of the handles with your hands and push down, rear end the frame will rise.
Step seven. Installation of cables
To return the wheels to their original position and “land”, we connect cables from the bicycle to each wheel. How exactly to hold them along the frame can be seen in the photo. We connect the cables from the rear and front wheels in pairs and install them on the end of the ring so that it is convenient to take them with your hands. The author fixes the cable loops with screw clamps.
Step eight. Final assembly homemade
At the end, we fix the remaining parts and proceed to painting. After that, you can install various electronics on the car, these can be various headlights, lights, an impromptu "flux capacitor" and so on, to make the car as realistic as possible. And if you really try, you can install a battery on a car and make the drive from the engine directly to the wheel.
That's all, I hope you liked the project. Good luck and inspiration in making homemade products!
