Flying Car Completes First Ever Inter-City Flight

A prototype flying car has completed a 35-minute flight between international airports in Nitra and Bratislava, Slovakia. The hybrid car-aircraft, AirCar, is equipped with a BMW engine and runs on regular petrol-pump fuel.

Its creator, Prof Stefan Klein, said it could fly about 1,000km (600 miles), at a height of 8,200ft (2,500m), and had clocked up 40 hours in the air so far. It takes two minutes and 15 seconds to transform from a car into an aircraft.

The AirCar Prototype 1 is powered by a 160 horsepower BMW engine and comes equipped with a fixed propeller. It transforms from aircraft to road vehicles in less than three minutes.

It has now completed more than 40 hours of test flights, according to Klein Vision, including flying at 8,200 feet and reaching a maximum cruising speed of 190 kilometers per hour (118 miles per hour). 

Testing Was Very Pleasant

The narrow wings fold down along the sides of the car. Prof Klein drove it straight off the runway and into town upon arrival, watched by invited reporters. He described the experience, as "normal" and "very pleasant".

In the air, the vehicle reached a cruising speed of 170km/h. It can carry two people, with a combined weight limit of 200kg (31 stone). But unlike drone-taxi prototypes, it cannot take off and land vertically and requires a runway.

"The automated transition from road vehicle into an air vehicle and vice versa, deploying/retracting wings and tail is not only the result of pioneering enthusiasm, innovative spirit, and courage; it is an outcome of excellent engineering and professional knowledge," Sarh said.

The milestone comes as the hype continues to build for the flying car concept. Hyundai's chief executive of European operations said that he believes flying cars will be a reality in cities throughout the world before the end of the decade.

Earlier this month, the South Korean car manufacturer and General Motors said they're pushing ahead with developing flying cars. 

Development of Flying Cars

Klein Vision plans to develop three- and four-seater models of the AirCar, as well as twin-engine and amphibious versions, according to its website. A growing number of companies are exploring the potential of flying vehicles despite hurdles including safety and reliability. 

Flying vehicles would need to operate in crowded airspace, near small drones and traditional airplanes, and also need a regulatory framework, which could take years. Japanese company successfully tests a manned flying car for the first time.

Uber (UBER) and Hyundai (HYMTF) unveiled plans for an electric flying taxi at last year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Michael Cole, the CEO of Hyundai's European unit, said on Tuesday that the South Korean automaker is working "very actively" on the program.

Volkswagen (VLKAF) said in February that it is looking into flying vehicles in China. Meanwhile, Porsche, Daimler (DDAIF) and Toyota (TM) have all backed startups in what is known as the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) industry.

Flying Car Models

There are high expectations for the nascent market in flying cars, which have long been heralded in popular culture as a visionary landmark of the future.

In 2019, consultant company Morgan Stanley predicted the sector could be worth $1.5trillion (£1tn) by 2040. And at an industry event on Tuesday, Hyundai Motors Europe chief executive Michael Cole called the concept "part of our future".

It is considered a potential solution to the strain on existing transport infrastructures.

Large Market Cap

The company behind AirCar, Klein Vision, says the prototype has taken about two years to develop and cost "less than 2m euros" (£1.7m) in investment.

Anton Zajac, an adviser, and investor in Klein Vision, said if the company could attract even a small percentage of global airline or taxi sales, it would be hugely successful.

"There are about 40,000 orders of aircraft in the United States alone," he said. "And if we convert 5% of those, to change the aircraft for the flying car - we have a huge market."

Flying Cars Seem Really Cool

Dr. Stephen Wright, senior research fellow in avionics and aircraft, at the University of the West of England, described the AirCar as "the lovechild of a Bugatti Veyron and a Cessna 172".

And he did not think the vehicle would be particularly loud or uneconomical in terms of fuel costs, compared with other aircraft. "I have to admit that this looks really cool - but I've got a hundred questions about certification," Dr. Wright said.

"Anyone can make an airplane but the trick is making one that flies and flies and flies for the thick end of a million hours, with a person on board, without having an incident.

"I can't wait to see the piece of paper that says this is safe to fly and safe to sell."

Written By - Bhagyadeep Jena

Edited By - Gunika Manchanda