Blueprint
Blueprint
Slovakian ‘roadable aircraft’ developer Klein Vision has announced its AirCar (V5) has made two successful flights on the week of 26 October. The flights, at Piestany airport, Slovakia, saw the vehicle fly at 1,500ft during the test flights. Developed by Stefan Klein, who was previously at another ‘flying car’ company Aeromobil, the AirCar V5 is a ‘roadable aircraft’ that is able to convert from car to aircraft configuration in less than three minutes. Klein Vision says that the two-seat AirCar is expected to be commercially available in six months.
Autobot - transform!
The AirCar can convert from compact car to aircraft mode in under three minutes, with the wings extending from a rear stowed position where they are also folded in half. The twin tail booms also extend rearwards to provide clearance for the centrally-mounted pusher propeller.
Fly ‘n’ drive
Sitting in the left-hand seat, the pilot uses a F1-style steering wheel to control the vehicle in ground and air modes. An emergency ballastic parachute deployment system is fitted.
Rear wing
A rear spoiler on the AirCar provides downforce in car mode but switches to become pitch control as an elevator in aircraft mode.