Two companies have successfully tested prototypes of 'flying cars' in recent days.
In the USA, Terrafugia flew the production prototype of their Transition Street-Legal Airplane; and in The Netherlands, the gyro-like PAL-V also conducted its maiden flight.
The Terrafugia completed its successful first flight at Plattsburgh International Airport in New York state on March 23.
The same vehicle also successfully conducted initial drive and conversion testing, demonstrating the vehicle’s capability to drive on public roads, park in a single car garage, and fly on unleaded mogas.
Terrafugia CEO and co-founder Carl Dietrich was enthusiastic about the future of the Transition:
"The first flight of the Transition production prototype is a major milestone for Terrafugia,” he said.
“With this flight, the team demonstrated an ability to accomplish what had been called an impossible dream.
"We look forward to continuing to show that the challenges of bringing a practical street legal airplane to market can be overcome.
"This is a very exciting time for Terrafugia, we are on our way up – literally and figuratively!"
Test pilot Phil Meteer was equally impressed:
“It’s a remarkable vehicle both on the road and, now, in the air.
"When I drove it into the shop, literally from the road through the garage door, I was amazed that I had just flown it at Plattsburgh a few days before.
"A long-overdue mode of transportation and fun is just around the corner.
"I can’t wait for the upcoming flight tests and the chance to ‘wring it out’, demonstrating how safe and enjoyable the Transition is to fly.”
Six phases of flight testing are planned to further develop the Transition and demonstrate compliance to LSA standards.
The first delivery is expected next year.
Across the Atlantic at Gilze Rijen Airport, the PAL-V had similar success with its maiden flight.
The PAL-V (Personal Air and Land Vehicle) flies like a gyrocopter with lift generated by an auto-rotating rotor and a 'pusher' propeller providing forward speed.
Robert Dingemanse, CEO and co-founder of PAL-V commented:
“We are very proud to announce this successful maiden flight of the PAL-V and we now invite investors to create the future with us.
"We know there is a lot of interest for the PAL-V.
"Prior to announcing these test flights, we were already approached on a daily basis by potential customers and dealers wanting to be part of this exciting project.”
Production PAL-Vs are expected to have a range of around 350-500 kms in the air and about 1200 kms on the road.
On the ground the slim three-wheeler combines the comfort of a car with the agility of a motorcycle thanks to its patented ‘tilting’ system, which enables the PAL-V to accelerate like a sports car and drive through curves like a motorcycle.
A PAL-V flies like a standard gyrocopter.
It is quieter than a helicopter due to the slower rotation of the main rotor, it takes off and lands with low speed, cannot stall, and is very easy to control.
Obtaining a licence requires only 20 to 30 hours of training.