Key the James Bond theme, a futuristic car that transforms into an aircraft in less than three minutes has taken to the air for the first time.
The experimental prototype developed by Klein Vision took off from an airport in Slovakia and completed two circuits, including two take-offs and landings, at heights of up to 1500ft.
The sporty composite car relies on retractable wings, and folding tail surfaces to convert into a plane.
Powered by a BMW 1.6 litre engine and weighing 1100 kilos, the car-plane has an effective power output of 140HP and can take off in just 300 metres with a payload of up to 200 kilos.
The company says the fifth-generation aircar can fly as far as 1000kms at speeds of up to 200kmh and switches from driving to flying mode with the click of a button.
The stability and controllability of the machine make it accessible to any pilot, it adds.
WATCH a fascinating video of the AirCar
“The key flight parameters confirmed all theoretical concepts and calculations that the development of the AirCar was based on,’’ says Professor Stefan Klein, Klein Vision’s chief technology officer and test pilot.
“Following the completion of all required flight tests in compliance with EASA regulations, we will deliver a model with a certified ADEPT, 300HP engine within the next 6 next months.
“The good news is, we already have a buyer.”
The cabin of the AirCar. Image: Klein Vision
Klein Vision is targeting people keen on leisure and self-driving journeys with an added lift as well as commercial taxi services.
“With AirCar you will arrive at your destination without the hassle of getting a ride to the airport and passing through commercial security, said Klein co-founder, investor and pilot Anton Zajac.
“You can drive your AirCar to the golf course, the office, the mall or your hotel and park it in a normal parking space.”
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