The technological progress being made in the last decade or two has certainly given a breath of fresh air to the humans living on this planet. The advancements in the field of science and technology are highly regarded by most people and they are said to bring about some drastic changes in their lives. Who would have thought 100 years ago that long distance journeys can be completed in just a matter of few hours? The modern inventions like airplanes and cars have made this possible. It has also forced the human brains to think about something more unique and creative for the next say 20 to 25 years. Scientists and engineers are now contemplating on developing ‘Flying Cars’.
The Inevitable Flying Car
The concept of a flying car is not new. Back in 1940 the great Henry Ford said “Mark my word: a combination of airplane and motorcar is coming. You may smile, but it will come.” What Henry Ford was referring to was flying cars. He was of the view that these cars are an inevitable thing and that this car-airplane combination would surprise and shock you at the same time. This concept has evolved in recent times, but the core has remained the same.
Flying Car Designed In Slovakia
Flying cars is not a new concept and it has been going on since the last 50 years or so. And when it comes to practically flying cars (or driving planes), the newest vehicle that most often comes to mind is the Terrafugia Transition. As this flying car has experienced years of delay it has given new market entrants a chance to capture the market. The Aeromobil 2.5, a flying car designed and built in Slovakia, recently made its first test flight and it looks much sexier than the Terrafugia. Stefan Klein, the co-founder and chief designer of the company has devoted 20 years to the development of this flying car.
The Aeromobil 2.5
The latest prototype in a series that dates back to 1990, the Aeromobil 2.5 has a sleek carbon-composite body that hides a practical steel tube frame underneath it. It weighs about 992 pounds and has a rear mounted propeller powered by a Rotax 912 light aircraft power plant. A 1,211cc four-cylinder engine that produces about 100 horsepower, supplies the propulsion on land through its front wheels and in the air via a 3 blade pusher prop. The maximum speed that it can achieve while in-flight is said to be more than 124 mph. The flying range is believed to be 430 miles and the driving range is restricted to 310 miles. It also consists of collapsible wings that can be folded back for driving functions and unfolded for flight mode. This 2.5 prototype is considered to be the next best thing in innovative science and it is hoped that this will create a new future for the coming generations.
Conclusion
Soon after the test flight video was released, the next day headline was Slovakian flying car takes to skies in search of investors. This headline is so true, as the future of this flying car depends on the investment it is able to attract. If the investors are willing to wet their hands in this project, then that day is not far away when we see people travel in one of these flying cars.