Want a Flying Car? Try the Amazing SkyCar
Flying cars have been invented and they’re amazing. The Moller SkyCar M400 is a car which you can both drive and fly! Yes, you read that right, flying cars are no longer just a dream or an image in a science-fiction movie, it’s reality. Find out the details on the flying car and when you can expect to own one for yourself right here.
Driving is so last century… step into the new century with the newest model of Moller’s SkyCar M400. If you were thinking to go to France, but you didn’t exactly have book a plane seat in advance Moller has the solution for you.
The SkyCar M400 is the newest personal VOLT prototype, and it’s the best of it’s kind. Now, you might be asking yourself what a VOLT is. Well, the abbreviation stands for vertical take-off and landing. So, imagine having your own personal vehicle, which apart from driving, can also be used as an aircraft.
Paul Moller is the man we should be thanking for this amazing invention. He has been working on developing flying cars for personal use for the past forty years, and this year, he’s closer to seeing his dream come true, than he’s ever been. Athena Technologies, from California has signed an agreement with Miller International to create a joint venture project and build the aircraft in both the U.S. and the People’s Republic of China.
The SkyCar M400 is designed with four seats, and it’s designed for anyone who can drive. Its wheels, however, turn into propulsions for flying. All the driver needs to do is input the direction and speed parameters.
The Skycar is not meant to be flown like a traditional airplane. It has just two hand-operated controls through which the pilot informs the computer control system of his desired flight maneuvers. With an awesome invention such as this one, a flight to Paris would take just under two hours… It would be just like going for a drive. And with this flying car, you can actually stop worrying about massive collapsing road holes!
SkyCar M400 Technical Specifications:
It seats 4 passengers, but variations are in the works for one up to six passengers
Top speed at 20,000 feet – 380 mph
Cruise speed at 29,000 feet 300 mph
Cruise speed at Sea Level 140 mph
Maximum rate of climb 5500 fpm
Maximum range 900 miles
Fuel consumption 28 mpg
Approximate weight 2400 pounds
Installed engine power 645 hp
Dimensions (LxWxH) 19.5′ x 8.5′ x 7.5′
Takeoff and landing area 35 feet diameter
Noise level at 500 feet 65 dba (Goal)
Apart from that, it uses automotive gas and it comes equipped with parachutes!
So when can we expect to buy our own flying SkyCar?
When will SkyCar Fly?
Well, as previously related, the project and research has received a humongous finance from two companies, so it’s only a matter of time before the M400 goes into production. Of course, safety tests and a whole lot of other tests have to be made, but we’re on the right track.
When asked about the new budget, Moller declared that:
We’ve never had a significant amount of capital at any one time. It’s absolutely the biggest thing we’ve had happen. The thing which has always held me back, aside from capital, is the availability of an engine — a power plant with unique capability,” he said. “It’s taken us decades to develop the kind of engines that have the power in the palm of your hand to power a car like these.
Moller also declared that the first production models will be finished in 2014 if all goes according to plan. The models chosen for the first release are a two seat SkyCar, and a smaller craft fitted for just one occupant, which will fly at lower altitudes. There you have it folks, we’ll have our own flying cars by 2014.
If we’ve gotten you curious, check out the amazing Moller SkyCar M400 in the videos below:
Written with love and coolness by crissa on January 30, 2013 in Awesome Stuff
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