FUTURE IS NOW: Flying car officially certified for take-off

By Dean Murray via SWNS

A futuristic flying car has been certified to fly.

Aircar, the dual-mode car-aircraft vehicle, has been issued the official Certificate of Airworthiness by the Slovak Transport Authority, it was announced Monday (Jan 24).

It follows the successful completion of 70 hours of rigorous flight testing compatible with European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards, with over 200 take-offs and landings.

Slovakian company Klein Vision say the challenging flight tests included the full range of flight and performance maneuvers and “demonstrated an astonishing static and dynamic stability in the aircraft mode."

“The take-off and landing procedures were achieved even without the pilot’s need to touch the flight controls,” claim the firm.

“AirCar certification opens the door for mass production of very efficient flying cars. It is official and the final confirmation of our ability to change mid-distance travel forever,” said Professor Stefan Klein, the inventor, leader of the development team and the test pilot.

“In the early twentieth century, the car was the epitome of freedom. Now, in 2022, Aircar offers a next level of freedom,” added Anton Zajac, the project co-founder.

“Professor Stefan Klein is the world leader in the development of user-friendly Flying Cars. His latest (fifth) version is the pinnacle achievement in the new category of flying cars.” said Dr. Branko Sarh, Boeing Co. Senior Technical Fellow.

“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,” he noted after AirCar’s first intercity flight last year.

The AirCar completed its first-ever inter-city flight from Slovakia's Nitra International Airport to Bratislava International Airport on 28 June, 2021.

“Transportation Authority carefully monitored all stages of unique AirCar development from its start in 2017. The transportation safety is our highest priority. AirCar combines top innovations with safety measures in line with EASA standards. It defines a new category of a sports car and a reliable aircraft. Its certification was both a challenging and fascinating task,” said René Molnár, the director of the Civil Aviation Division (Transport Authority of Slovakia).

Klein Vision has already completed tests of a new powerful, lightweight, and efficient ADEPT Airmotive aviation engine and finalized drawings and technical calculations for the upcoming monocoque model with variable pitch propeller. It is expected to reach speeds over 300km/h and a range of 1,000km.

“ADEPT Airmotive is proud to have our ecologically compliant engines selected to power this exciting and innovative project,” said Richard Schulz – Founder, ADEPT Airmotive.

“Klein Vision’s AirCar is an engineering marvel, and we look forward our long-term cooperation," adds Raymond Bakker, the ADEPT Technical Director.

The new production model is expected to be certified in 12 months.