3 November 2020
+VIDEO Klein Vision has successfully flown circuits with its fifth-generation AirCar at Piestany Airport in Slovakia.
The flying car can transform from road vehicle into air vehicle in less than three minutes, according to Professor Stefan Klein who designed the AirCar.
The latest AirCar completed two flights at up to 1,500ft AGL and two full airport circuits, including two take-offs and landings. It is not the AirCar’s first flight – that was October 2019 (see here).
The two-seat AirCar weighs 1,100kg and can carry additional load of 200kg per flight. The test AirCar is powered by a BMW 1.6-litre car engine with a power output of 140hp but the next version, a production model, will have a 300hp ADEPT Airmotive V6.
The Klein AirCar in car mode. Top: take-off! Photos and video: Klein Vision
“The key flight parameters confirmed all theoretical concepts and calculations that the development of the AirCar was based on,” said Professor Klein, Klein Vision’s CTO and test pilot.
“Following the completion of all required flight tests in compliance with EASA regulations, we will deliver a model with a certified ADEPT, 300hp engine within the next six next months. The good news is, we already have a buyer.”
Dr Branko Sarh, Boeing Co. Senior Technical Fellow (ret), who is working with the company said, “The wing and tail deployment/retraction mechanism is very impressive, converting the automobile into an airplane. The cockpit providing space for the driver/pilot and a passenger is very roomy and nicely styled. The overall appearance of the flying car on road and in the air is superb.”
