NASA Really Wants A Flying Car
It turns out that we aren't the only ones with a serious flying car jones. NASA has announced the Personal Air Vehicle Challenge. They are offering $250,000 in prizes for a variety of steps on the way to the ultimate driving machine. The contest, which was announced at AirVenture will pay $25,000 for advances in noise control and handling qualities and $150,000 for a "vehicle with two to six seats that can fly at least 130 mph for a 300-mile range while being fuel-efficient and making good time door-to-door." It's a nice idea but it seems like pigeon feed considering what an innovation like this would truly be worth. Branson's busy with space tourism so maybe Larry Ellison, Paul Allen or some other big spender needs to step in and put some serious money up as an incentive.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
HondaJet Dec 18th 2005 6:02PM
Yeah im also willing to give out 250k for a flying car. Making millions after :)
Finished.Law.School Dec 18th 2005 6:02PM
More tax dollars being wasted by "genuises" at NASA...
Interested Dec 18th 2005 6:02PM
The Skycar would most likely take this. Does anyone else know of a company that can fly / handle as good as the Skycar ?
Cactusjack Dec 18th 2005 6:02PM
The Skycar - What a laugh. This thing has been around for years and never got off it's leash. With four engines and no aerodynamics, it will never be fuel efficient. I will eat my words if this thing ever attains a speed of 300 mph at 8000 ft altitude.
Hans Dec 18th 2005 6:02PM
"Thinking is the best way travel.."
- The moody blues
Marian Dec 18th 2005 6:02PM
The prizes offered by Nasa don't cover even 3% of the R&D costs for such cars.