Flying Car Transforms Back into a Sports Car after a 35-Minute Flight [Video]

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• A prototype flying car successfully completed a test flight between cities in Slovakia on June 28.
• The AirCar transformed back to a sports car in under three minutes after the 35-minute flight.
• The car, which is road-legal, comes with a 160 horsepower gas-powered BMW engine, a seat for an additional passenger, and a convertible roof.

In the latest innovation from Klein Vision, a prototype flying vehicle had successfully conducted a 35-minute test flight on June 28, as it hovered between two Slovakia cities, Nitra and the capital Bratislava.

Based on a press release issued last week, the company’s AirCar, loaded with a 160 horsepower BMW engine and a fixed propeller, ascended between the two cities. Shortly after its landing, the AirCar transformed to a road vehicle in just roughly two and half minutes.

According to Klein Vision, the prototype aircraft vehicle has completed over 40 hours of test flights with a credential of flying over 8,200 feet with a maximum spread of 190 kms per hour (118 miles).

Company CEO Stefan Klein and co-founder Anton Zajac drove the aircraft vehicle into the city’s center and were greeted with cheers by the public.

On its website, Klen Vision is preparing to build three- and four-seater AirCar models. It was also considering launching twin-engine and amphibious versions.

Amid concerns of safety and stability, several companies across the world have already expressed interest in developing flying vehicles in recent years. The idea of having an actual aircraft vehicle would require tedious work since it would need comprehensive regulations, notwithstanding the presence of other small aerial crafts.

Last year, Uber and Hyundai companies announced their plans to launch an electric flying taxi during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Hyundai-Europe CEO Michael Cole revealed last week that the company was “very actively” working on the project.

In February, Volkswagen said that it was considering developing flying cars in China. Porsche, Daimler, and Toyota, on the other hand, have invested in startups that push for the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) industry.

Japanese company Sky Drive Inc. also launched its first public demonstration of a flying vehicle in August 2020.

Source: CNN.com