Video Editor: Mohd Irshad Alam
Even before George Jetson entranced kids with his flying car, people have dreamed of soaring above traffic congestion. Inventors and entrepreneurs have long tried, and failed, to make this dream a reality, but that may be changing.
PAL-V Liberty, a three-wheeled, two-seat car and gyroplane rolled into one compact package, will get its official unveiling at Geneva's motor show on 8 March 2018.
Nearly a dozen companies around the globe, including some with deep pockets such as European aircraft maker Airbus, are competing to be the first to develop a new kind of aircraft that will enable commuters to glide above crowded roadways.
With a price tag of over Rs 4 Crore, PAL-V can develop the maximum speed of 170 km/ per hour on the road and about 180 km/per hour in the air. The range is about 500 kilometres.
Unlike other companies, building flying cars with fixed wings, this vehicle opts for a design that adds a gyroplane engine and propellers to a tilting sports car.
The first production run of 90 of the flying cars are not for everybody, but Robert Dingemanse CEO of PAL-V, says he has plenty of buyers lined up.
Robert Dingemanse CEO of PAL-V, the Dutch company says:
It is completely different from a helicopter, which you have to operate with your hands and feet every second to stay in the air...It is safe. That’s the good thing about the gyroplane. The rotor is not powered, so it is actually a parachute which is always available. It is a proven technology that already exists for 90 years. We designed it within the regulations of EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) which is a sort the similar set that Boeing and Airbus of this world.
However, despite all the charms that the vehicle has to offer, PAL-V needs a short airstrip to take off and land.
Looks like we have officially entered the future with the flying car in tow.
(With inputs from AP.)
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