The Sky Is The Limit !

Have you ever heard about a car flying in the air? Leaving aside stories of fiction, a flying car is soon to become a reality. Dutch startup, PAL-V NV has already developed one to keep you excited. This would be a two-seater ‘flying car’, which it claims, will be ready for sale in the US for $600,000 by 2018.

About PAL-V NV

PAL-V NV is the company that initiated the development of the PAL-V, is located in Raamsdonksve, The Netherlands. It was founded in 2007 to commercialize the concept that was first developed in 1999. PAL-V NV has a management team of experienced Dutch entrepreneurs with expertise in aviation, automotive, research and marketing. As per reports, the company had tested its “proof of concept” vehicle in 2011/2012. This test has proven the vehicle’s technical feasibility and certifiability within the existing regulatory framework. Interestingly, PAL-V NV is backed by a couple of investors, including the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs. Likewise, this project has also received support from three Dutch ministries that itself proves the greatness of PAL-V.

All you need to know about PAL-V vehicles.

PAL-V vehicles, in short, are flying cars which can occupy only two passengers at a time. These vehicles are made of carbon fiber, titanium, and aluminum, and weigh around 1,500 pounds. They are also equipped with a 230 horsepower, four-cylinder engine powered by oil. The 27-gallon tank allows the pilot/driver to fly up to 220 miles at low altitudes (around 4,000 feet) or drive for 750 miles on land. The vehicles will roughly cost $600,000.

PAL-V vehicles require an uninterrupted space of 660-by-100-feet to safely take off and land; smaller airports and airstrips should suffice. Once it’s driven to a suitable space, the vehicle takes about ten minutes to unfold its rotor blades and morph from a car into a helicopter. Once airborne, the craft can zip from zero to 60 M.P.H. in about eight seconds.

User requirements

The company says that all instruments used to drive and fly the vessel are designed with simplicity in mind. But users will need a Sports Pilot Certificate to operate the craft. At the same time, they must possess knowledge of navigation, instruments, meteorology, and aerodynamics.

When will those ‘flying cars’ be ready for sale?

Reportedly, PAL-V has planned to initially build only 90 vehicles. At the same time, it hopes to have the flying cars on the market by 2018.

The current scenario of PAL-V

Presently, PAL-V’s CEO, Mr. Robert Dingemanse is working on obtaining the certification from Europe’s EASA CS 27, which specifically deals with small Motorcraft. Once this is done, the firm will be able to apply for other regulations around the world which would make the global potential for PAL-V a reality.

Will the launch of PAL-V’s ‘flying car’ influence the aviation sector? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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