2006-09-21 02:51:38 · 29 answers · asked by comradelouise 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
Maybe not much longer. A British engineer called Roger Shawyer claims to have developed a mechanism for converting electrical power directly into thrust using waveguides, with no hot exhaust gases or downdraft to worry about. A vehicle using an engine based on his principles would quite literally hover as if by magic. His paper is here, though it is a little technical of course:
http://www.newscientist.com/data/images/ns/av/shawyertheory.pdf
He has actually built one of these devices and tested it experimentally, though it only produces small amounts of thrust. His next step is to try to create superconductive wave cavities that have zero loss, which will increase the output thrust quite dramatically.
Don't be too surprised if he gets killed in a mysterious accident before completing his work, mind. He's going to upset a lot of very powerful people if he succeeds.
But good luck to him. Hovercars could be a reality in our lifetimes.
2006-09-21 03:11:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Skycar
Moller International has developed the first and only feasible, personally affordable, personal vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicle the world has ever seen.
You've always known it was just a matter of time before the world demanded some kind of flying machine which would replace the automobile. Of course, this machine would have to be capable of VTOL, be easy to maintain, cost effective and reliable. Well, we at Moller International believe we have come up with the solution. That solution is the volantor named M400 Skycar.
Let's compare the M400 Skycar with what's available now, the automobile. Take the most technologically advanced automobile, the Ferrari, Porsche, Maserati, Lamborgini, or the more affordable Acura, Accord, or the like. It seems like all of the manufacturers of these cars are touting the new and greatly improved "aerodynamics" of their cars. Those in the aerospace industry have been dealing with aerodynamics from the start. In the auto industry they boast of aerodynamics, performance tuned wide track suspensions, electronic ignition and fuel injection systems, computer controllers, and the list goes on. What good does all this "advanced engineering" do for you when the speed limit is around 60 MPH and you are stuck on crowded freeways anyway
2006-09-21 06:51:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the rest of your life. The technology may be somewhat feasible, but our economy will never be able to support it.
That doens't even count the fact that the world will start relying a lot LESS on the cars we already have on the ground as fossil fuels start to deplete. We don't have the fuel to support regular cars, we certainly won't have any to support flying cars.
You might want to set your sights on living somewhere where mass transit is electrified, and accessible. Light rail is the future, not flying cars.
2006-09-21 03:20:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Flying cars have been around since the late 30's
There's a more modern version around at the moment (see 2nd link)
2006-09-21 03:08:26 · answer #4 · answered by wally_zebon 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
About 30 more years.
2006-09-21 02:54:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No problem, there are a lot of cars flying now in Iraq, they fly with explosives.
Only read the news.
2006-09-22 03:12:20 · answer #6 · answered by jaime r 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They can be made now with ducted fans as propulsion. The only trouble with ducted fans is that they are LOUD! Concorde at takeoff loud. If you would like one to transport you to work from home you will get a noise abatement order slapped on you like lightning. Not to mention an ASBO.
2006-09-21 05:40:13 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer is the same now as it was 50 years ago: about 20 years or so.
"We're all living in the future.
I'll tell you how I know:
I read it in the paprers
Fifteen years ago.
We're all driving rocket ships
And talking with our minds,
Wearing torquoise jewelry
And standing in soup lines."
-John Prine
2006-09-22 01:00:49 · answer #8 · answered by bearhill13 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Where do you live ?
I used mine just last night to run my errands. Maybe your country just doesn't have them yet. They should have them by Christmas, because that's when they sell the best. Although Santa brought me mine a couple of years ago.
Go talk to him in the mall in December.
2006-09-21 03:02:11 · answer #9 · answered by nana4dakids 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
um that was just a movie. even if science was able to make a flying car it would be used in the military and they wouldn't allow us civilians to know. +
2006-09-21 02:54:09 · answer #10 · answered by thee wojc 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋