What happened to the aircar that was being advertised a couple of years back and did the firm making them ever sell one.
2006-11-03 07:37:31 · 36 answers · asked by Francis7 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Aircraft
Moller will be working on that thing until we have tourist visits to Mars.
Seriously, I think you're talking about the M400 Skycar from Moller International. If so, you have excellent timing as they just had a shareholders meeting on October 21st. They announced that they were almost complete in their second test vehicle build and will start vigorously testing both of them at Milkfarm (http://www.milkfarm.net).
Also, I think he's about 5-7 years from having a viable product to bring to market. I can say this with some assurance because of the recent addition of the FAA's pilot Sports License (along with a new GPS system that they're going to roll out soon) and because of a recent influx in money to Moller International from some of their military contracts.
Still, I wouldn't expect it anytime soon. You're better off getting a Sports License (will also be needed for the Skycar whenever it comes out) and buying an airplane that falls into that category. The Sports License is much easier to get then the full license (mainly because you can only fly certain types of aircraft).
Here is the criteria for the Sports License:
* Be at least 16 to become a student sport pilot (14 for glider).
* Be at least 17 to test for a sport pilot certificate (16 for gliders).
* Be able to read, write, and understand English.
* Hold a current and valid U.S. driver’s license as evidence of medical eligibility (provided the FAA didn’t deny, revoke, or suspend your last medical certificate application). Alternatively, you can also use a third class airman’s medical to establish medical fitness.
* Pass an FAA sport pilot knowledge test.
* Pass a FAA sport pilot practical (flight) test.
For a wonderful home starter kit check out the Sporty's Training DVDs: http://www.sportys.com/learntofly/?trackingId=2537 or the new Microsoft Flight Simulator (not as good, but a lot of fun).
A plane that fits into that category could cost you as little as $20K - or about the price of a new Honda. They're lighter, a little slower, and a blast to fly.
Sorry, I kinda got off track.
Don't hold your breath for the Skycar or any other variations. Moller is the closest at a product that he can bring to market, but he's still at least 5 years away.
2006-11-03 07:49:22 · answer #1 · answered by Dr. Brian 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you're talking about the Moller machine, it'll be a long time coming. There are some basic rules of physics which Moller is trying to cheat, and physics being what it is, he won't succeed. It is not that the thing can't fly -- it can be made to do so -- but the power requirements are so large that its fuel consumption would be excessive -- far worse than the 17 mpg that my Cessna gets. The basic problem is that his airfoils aren't big enough.
2006-11-03 07:58:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It never got of the ground? Ha Ha. Actually the soft wear has yet to be developed to allow the car to lift off and rise to altitude and fly with just minimal driver input. It has to be stupid proof before you could sell it. Imagine the law suit I was just washing my car when two air cars crashed over head and one fell onto my house the other smashed the car I just washed. Also what do you think about four rotary motors that have to run all the same to keep control of the aircraft.
2006-11-03 07:56:43 · answer #3 · answered by John Paul 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hopefully it will never come to pass.
people are idiotic enough behind the wheel of vehicles on a single plane of traffic. Where are the skycars/aircars going to go if they have an accident right above your house? Hint: gravity
2006-11-03 07:48:29 · answer #4 · answered by kent_shakespear 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
There are actually multiple companies working on this sort of thing now. I'm not sure if there have been any specific setbacks to any of them, but I still see bits and pieces of new developments.
I do remember though that a few years back when this was first being brought up, that most of the companies involved said it would be around 2010 before anything was commercially available, so... yeah.
2006-11-03 07:44:29 · answer #5 · answered by rainsinger 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I think we should really stop and think and plan long and hard about the airhighway before we worry about the aircar
2006-11-03 07:47:44 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
the company is currently designing a engine that is lighter and makes much needed more horsepower. The engines they used for the initial flight tests were found to be too underpowered.
2006-11-03 07:59:00 · answer #7 · answered by ŚţΰāŔţ ● Ŧ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I guess it was to hard to park and the idea of prop striking the cop trying to give you a ticket was unappealing. Could be that it didn't meet the federal standards to be a road vehicle.
2006-11-03 08:56:55 · answer #8 · answered by pecker_head_bill 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Gravity happens
2006-11-03 07:52:16 · answer #9 · answered by davidscottwoodruff 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's going to have to get a lot more efficient and government will have to sit and spin for many years about regulations and traffic control, etc. I won't be in the market for one any time soon
2006-11-03 07:46:37 · answer #10 · answered by Old Cripple 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋