© 2005 All Rights Reserved. Do not distribute or repurpose this work without written permission from the copyright holder(s).
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This article is marked as 'retired'. The information here may be out of date, incomplete, and/or incorrect.
Despite many technological innovations, the twenty-first century has so far completely failed us in two key departments: Flying cars, and transformers. Fortunately, we have the Dutch, who do not allow such oversights to continue unchecked.
A Dutch entrepreneur named John Bakker is working closely with Spark design engineering to develop the Personal Air and Land Vehicle (PALV), a single-occupancy transportation unit which drives like an enclosed motorcycle on the ground, yet when necessary, it can unfurl its rotors and transform into an honest-to-goodness autogyro. This allows it to leap into the air on short notice, and cruise around at altitudes below the level of commercial air traffic.
In its earthbound mode, the narrow three-wheeled vehicle is highly aerodynamic, and as agile as a motorcycle thanks to the tilting mechanism which allows it to lean into curves. It is expected to have a top speed of over 125 miles per hour, and due to its light weight, it should have a zero-to-sixty time of under five seconds. It is also projected to have excellent fuel economy, reaching about 70 miles per gallon.
When airborne, the PALV flies under the 4,000 feet— which is the floor of commercial air space— so no flight plan is required in order to launch. It has Very Short Take Off and Vertical Landing (VSTOVL) capability, so it needs a short runway to take off and to land, but it requires significantly less runway distance than a traditional airplane. Some autogyros require so little launch distance that they can operate from helipads, but the PALV requires at least 165 feet on takeoff, and 16 feet in order to land. Its airspeed can range from as slow as 18 miles per hour to as much as 120 miles per hour.
Autogyro technology looks a lot like helicopter technology, but aside from appearances, they are quite different. Technically speaking, an autogyro has much more in common with an old-fashioned single-prop airplane than it does with a helicopter. An autogyro’s rotor is unpowered, providing lift in a way similar to a fixed wing, but caused to spin by its forward motion through the air. The thrust that provides lift comes from an airplane-like propeller— in the case of the PALV, a small pushing-type propeller mounted to the rear of the vehicle.
An autogyro like the PALV is not as fast or efficient as a helicopter or an airplane, and unlike a helicopter, it cannot hover. It is also susceptible to unique emergencies, such as Pilot-Induced Oscillation, where the craft bucks uncontrollably due to improper pitch adjustment; and Power Push-Over, where the aircraft somersaults out of control due to improper handling and throttle settings. But the PALV designers may be planning preventive measures to avoid these situations, perhaps by using onboard computer monitoring.
Despite the problems inherent in an autogyro design, the PALV also has its advantages over other types of aircraft; for instance, it is much quieter than a helicopter (70 decibels compared to a typical helicopter’s 105 decibels), and because the “wings” are spinning, the aircraft cannot stall. Additionally, in the event of engine failure, an autogyro will not nose dive, but descend vertically with mechanical steering still available, so a safe landing can usually be made.
In anticipation of the flying car revolution which has been on the horizon since personal air vehicles were first imagined, NASA has developed a system for handling large numbers of low-altitude aircars, called “The Highway in the Sky” (HITS). It uses GPS to define low-altitude virtual highways which low-flying aircraft can follow to avoid mid-air collisions. Of course the system can also be used for conventional aircraft at higher altitudes.
The PALV is intended to run on high-octane (95-98) unleaded gasoline, and though no price has been publicly announced, its cost has been compared to that of a luxury sedan. It’s not the only flying car concept being developed, but it looks to be one of the best land/air hybrid designs yet. And by the sound of it, it may be one of the most affordable.
Further Reading:
PALV Press Release
NASA article on the Highway in the Sky (HITS) system
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On the contrary, Alan, there is a transformer at every street corner, making incessant buzzing noises.
You win this round, Lowder…
This will be great, after we learn to drive in two dimensions.
This would be great for beating traffic in the morning.
The gas in Europe uses a different octane system so the “high-octane” gas mentioned really isn’t that high in the American system. It sounds like straight pump gas.
Does it have a flux capacitor?
Seriously though, great read.
Interesting, but it needs too much ground to take off and land, making it impractical for regular use. Anyway, like someone said earlier, its hard enough driving in 2 dimensions, forget 3.
I know here in Texas, that the gas at the pump usually comes in three grades, and none of them go up to 95-98. However, racing fuel does, so does airplane fuel.
This begs the question…when will Mcdonalds come out with Fly-Through Windows?
I want one for christmas
It would cause a lot of complications if it ever went into serious production, but it would be awesome for commuters.
I have relatives up North who consider it a personal affront if someone passes them on the highways. Could you imagine the carnage when these things go into production? I can’t wait!
I’m thinking this probably will never happen. Unless the earth’s population dwindles to under about a thousand.
But lo, there is such a vehicle!! No one knows this, but there is a secret organization designed on protecting mankind from the evil forces of Miles Mayhem, whose evil terrorist organization is known only as VENOM. This organization uses vehicles just like these and what’s more, some of them are even on the streets of today and no one knows!! Yes this group is known as the Mobile Armoured Strike Command!! ;)
“When airborne, the PALV flies under the 4,000 feet– which is the floor of commercial air space– so no flight plan is required in order to launch.”
For the record, thats a misinformed statement. Maybe I can help out.
No flight plan is ever required for non-airline/non-military aircraft, unless you are flying through clouds/bad weather [called “IFR”], internationally, or in a flight restricted area.
Absolutely no airspace begins at 4000 feet. I dont know where that figure came from. “Class C” airspace ENDS at 4000 feet, but that means that flights are less restricted above 4000, not more.
The term “commercial airspace” is completely meaningless; there is no such thing. Airspace is created for the management of all air traffic; even the most restrictive airspace designation allows non-commercial traffic. (excluding special use airspace, like no-fly zones, which also block all commercial traffic)
The closest thing I can imagine they are referring to is “class A” airspace, the most restrictive airspace, which begins at 18000 feet above sea level across the US, pretty much. But, you’d pass out from oxygen deprivation well before entering that airspace (oxygen is needed above 12500 feet MSL, in general) (a flight plan IS required for flight in class A, but just because all flights up there fall under the “clouds/bad weather [IFR]” category.)
http://www.asy.faa.gov/safety_products/airspaceclass.htm
http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Controlled_airspace
the whole flying car concept, while nice, isnt gonna happen anytime soon. Right now planes CAN be produced cheaper than most cars. The problem being insurability. People will always be idiots behind the wheel.
I’ve got this vision of a soccer mom travelling down the left hand airway at only 100 mph with her left turn signal on while talking on a cell phone, swatting at kids in the back seat, and balancing a big mac and fries in her lap. scary.
Anybody looked at the fatality rates for private aircraft lately?
To one who quit flying once they realized the demands it made on my personal competance (i.e. mess up and you die…), this concept seems unrealistic to say the least.
Maybe unrealistic, but there are certainly going to be willing to buy, and if there are, there will always be someone to make. I like the idea, even if it does seem a bit dangerous now. All of our “brilliant” ideas (e.g. cars, airplanes, submarines, etc.) started out incredibly dangerously and developed into much safer versions of themselves. It will only take time until these are both practical and safe, and that we’ve got plenty of.
Perhaps they’ll be equipped with an “up” blinker. I can definitely see these coming in handy when I see traffic up ahead on the freeway. Plus, everything becomes a potential path; so even if there isn’t a straight route somewhere, it will be fast and easy to get there.
I can see this being very useful for the police. 125 mph, flight, able to drive down narrow alleys, high acceleration…
Um, no.
I am 64 years old, old enough to have seen these predictions in magazines many years ago…..still unfulfilled predictions I might add.
Do not expect these in our lifetime. Not as a common thing, at least.
hazlett is right. Things like this have been on the cover of magazines like popular science since like the sixties. However this does not detract from my own personal desire for a true hovercar. Although I doubt it will ever happen in my waking life.
A motorcycle that will turn into a helicopter!!! WOOHOO I want one of these!!!
I WANT ONE!
This concept has been flying around, in print only, since the 40’s, if not before. Sgaterboy has the crux, regardless of ease of flying it, insurance will be the key. Even Geico would stay away from it. Of course, automoblies were just as frightening to the public at first, but clearly have been well accepted. But adding a third dimension? I don’t want to even THINK what that wouldbe like with the drivers here in Philly.
As people have been pointing out, putting drivers behind the wheel of regular cars is scary enough. The only way we might progress to the “flying car” is by continuing development of computer driven cars. While the technology may still be in its infancy (DARPA Grand Challenge, anyone?), when we really focus on specific technologies, they tend to develop alot faster than expected.
Many flying cars have been developed over the years, and some were probably good, but until we take the extreme risk out of flawed human hands, it’s just too damn scary to imagine people using them.
If this was so viable, wouldn’t the military be using these already?
TimWhit said: “If this was so viable, wouldn’t the military be using these already?”
The military probably does not see the advantage of this design over a helicopter….. I can’t blame them!
Mancho you are right on, until we have computers flying these vehicles it will never be a practical option for more than just a few hobbyists, but I still want one!
The Moller Sky Car is a far more technological solution to the problem of driver/pilot error. With his Sky Car, the driver is really the passenger once it is airborne– the computers do the flying.
If his Sky Car is ever commercially produced, it will cost a helluva lot more, though.
Notice this article was written almost one year ago. Big surprise there is still no pricing info estimated date of a working prototype. Just a web site with pretty pictures. I would not hold my breath but it sure would be cool to get my hands on one of these things. Biggest downside is (other than it will never make it to market) it’s only a one seater.
As scary as it seems it could be great for people that live in relive isolation. I know that’s not a big market but I Guess they would have to start somewhere. I’m sure if these things started showing up in cities even if current laws did not prevent people from using them they would quickly be heavily and restrictively regulated and maybe outlawed.
Talking about flying cars seems the Aussies already have them. Check out this tongue-in-cheek story about a picture from Google Earth that seems to show a flying car. Good for a giggle. — http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/01/25/flying_car_launch_site/ —
Flying cars will never get off the ground (;o) with our current slate of technology. If some sort of anti-gravity technology is developed (and that’s a really big if), that is what will really get things going. Until then, personal flying vehicles will be a pipe dream.
Anyone remember the cartoon M.A.S.K. ?? they had toys too, one of them was a green motorcycle that turned into a helicopter ..
http://www.world-of-cartoons.de/mask/toyline+photo.lid+744+cid+3.htm
just_dave said: “Flying cars will never get off the ground (;o) with our current slate of technology. If some sort of anti-gravity technology is developed (and that’s a really big if), that is what will really get things going. Until then, personal flying vehicles will be a pipe dream.”
I agree (Although I don’t believe there is going to be any breakthrough in anti Gravity technology) however companies still put money into then of at least they appear to be. I wonder if there is some kind of investment/preorder scam with these things.
As if the idea of incompetent and/or incapacitated drivers is not scary enough, what about the idea of terrorists getting hold of these things? And one must exercise caution when unfurling these wings– I remember reading years ago (I think it was in News of the Weird) about a man who put six-foot rotor blades atop his car. Stunned police officers noted that they could have easily taken a man’s head off.
…does it come with standard equipment including: handheld cell phone, daily newspaper, coffee machine and viewing mirror with make up kit? If yes, they I don’t see why they can’t proceed…they’ll have all the necessary distractions that plague our road system right now. More power to the PALV!
Still, this would make a real interesting project for the Tuttles on Orange County Chopper. Imagine stuffing the old man into one of these. Better yet, imagine Mikey flying one…no, better not imagine that.
Dave Group: Terrorists can already get ahold of private airplanes, which have greater capabilities (though not designed to drive on the highway).
just_dave: Anti-gravity is not needed to make this concept practical. Better materials is the primary limiter – you need materials which are both strong and light and can fold out of the way. Maybe nanotube composites might fit the bill.
Here’s another drawback nobody has mentioned yet – Everyone would love to have one, because it would be brilliant. But if everyone that wants one gets one then nobody will benefit from it. If loads of people were using it then the sky would be mobbed and it would be not only less scary to stay on the road but probably quicker too if there’s more traffic in the air than on the ground.
So yes it’s great, but only for a very small number of people.
Imagine picking up your date in one of those; pop the Aladdin soundtrack in, and crank up “A Whole New World.”
I worry about the people in houses… when two cellphone users have a collision over a home, it’s bad news for all three parties.
smokefoot said: “Dave Group: Terrorists can already get ahold of private airplanes, which have greater capabilities (though not designed to drive on the highway).
With the PALV, just take off from a road or parking lot near a runway and ram an aircraft as it’s taking off or landing.
This idea is Awesome!
Infrastructure and takeoff rules would have to be put in place as these become more available. Sort’ve like passing marks on two way streets, and seperate lanes for cars and trucks. I would just like to see better distribution of traffic flow in certain areas. Adding a 3rd dimension solves a lot.
However, the whole falling out of the sky things worries me a bit. I would hope governments would force commuter air traffic to follow safer routes where they could fall somewhere safely. Much the same way as leaving extra room on highways and train tracks in case of incident.
Terrorism is a moot point. They can break a picture frame and cut your neck open with a piece of glass killing both yourself and your family systematically timed. The reality is, terrorism isnt as big of a problem as people think. They have far more viable easily executable (and meaningful) options to cause choas than to drop a flying car on some nameless soccer mom.
As a professional driver (I’ve held a CDL for 20 years), I’d be afraid of morons getting in these things, too. I have seen people do all sorts of silly things while “driving” ( I quote because they are doing anything but), usually in front of my truck. Believe me, it is NOT a profession for the faint of heart.
That being said, I want one. Seems like it’d be cheaper than a Moller and more practical, too. I don’t think Moller’s cars are designed for on-highway use. With a PALV, one could drive out of the city and take flight after leaving the restricted/regulated airspace that now surrounds most cities these days. Bad weather ahead? Land and drive the rest of the way. Maybe a “smart” sky-way system to get around the human factor?
I just watched the video of the Carver bike this is based off of. Incredible! It’s one of the coolest things I’ve seen. This thing leans into the corners so gracefully at high speeds.
And it has a Wankel rotary motor, which is supposed to be smoother and provide a lot of power for its size & wight, making it ideal for aircraft. This thing is truly a big exhibition of unorthodox technologies.
LMAO!!!! XD
as always this will be a great idea that will never eventuate.
I have two words that are guaranteed to kill this idea in its tracks for the foreseeable future….
“power lines”