It's a Bird, It's a Plane...It's Skycar

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed)
Jan 7th 2005 at 5:16PM

What technological advance are we all secretly hoping for? Two words: flying car. Moller International is creating the M400 Skycar, a personal vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicle. Yup, a real flying car or a volantor, as the website defines it. Moller is currently testing the Skycar and hopes to put it into production soon. According to Moller, limited numbers of the Skycar are expected to be available within the next three years. They promise that the car will be able to hit speeds of over 350 MPH. The car is a few years away from FAA certification, at this point they've only done test flights with a tether attached. First models will most likely cost around $500,000 and the driver will need a pilot's license. Unlike the Gibbs Aquada and other water cars, it's not much on land but still, it's a flying car.

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Wings

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

GEAH Dec 18th 2005 6:02PM

Not only is it years away from FAA certification, I doubt that the EPA and DOT are going to be likely to let you get a street plate for it.

Tim Dec 18th 2005 6:02PM

That is cool! I will start saving and hope it gets the OK (doubt it will though).

Rymann Dec 18th 2005 6:02PM

I hope there are plans for a ballistic parachute recovery system for it. Unlike a helicopter, these skycars do not autorotate. Have a fuel problem, and this would drop like a rock... I'm a pilot, and to be honest this would not be something I would be comfortable taking up. There seems to be no wing area to speak of - giving a best glide ratio I'm sure would be on par with a Chevy Tahoe.

Michael J. Morrison Dec 18th 2005 6:02PM

Its funny isnt it how every year its allways another 3 years for full production and how now you will require your Pilots lic,....I love the way companies hype up investor confidence and then shoot us down with facts just before the final product is unveiled. What will it be next year need I ask?

R.B.Hayden Dec 18th 2005 6:02PM

ohhhhhhh, u guys stop being so neg! everyone said that computers would never become anything! remember the wheel. it will not happen overnight. thank you! another glass of wine please.