PAL-V
Dutch company PAL-V Europe NV recently completed their maiden flight of a half-car, half-plane hybrid called the PAL-V. (Personal Air and Land Vehicle.) The three-wheeled vehicle has been in development since 2008. The sleek design is an impressive blend of land- and aircraft. Retractable rotors power the vehicle in flight, but slide behind the PAL-V during ground transport.
PAL-V
The PAL-V requires less than 600 feet of runway space to take off. The top speed of the craft is reportedly the same on land or in the air: over 100 miles-per-hour.
PAL-V
"You can drive like a car with your normal car, then you can fly like a plane but in one vehicle." PAL-V CEO Robert Dingemanse says. "So if you want to fly over a mountain you can do that and then drive at the other end and go to your destination or fly over water or past a traffic jam, of course. All those kind of things are possible now."
PAL-V
Perhaps most impressive of all, the PAL-V is street as well as air legal. Anyone with a drivers license
PAL-V
The company hopes the PAL-V will someday be used by law enforcement and rescue services as fast, versatile transport in emergencies. They say they have also had interest from private buyers.
PAL-V
In many ways, the PAL-V resembles a high-tech motorcycle more than a car. The three-wheel design offers a lighter, more aerodynamic shape that improves performance both on the ground and airborne.
PAL-V
The PAL-V uses a "tilting system" on turns. The company claims the PAL-V accelerates like a sports car and turns like a motorcycle.
PAL-V
The tail retractable rotors fold back when the car is on the ground.
PAL-V
The PAL-V began development in 2008. A drivable prototype was ready in 2009, but it took years for the flying car to finally lift off.
PAL-V
"You can drive like a car with your normal car, then you can fly like a plane but in one vehicle." PAL-V CEO Robert Dingemanse says. "So if you want to fly over a mountain you can do that and then drive at the other end and go to your destination or fly over water or past a traffic jam, of course. All those kind of things are possible now."
PAL-V
The PAL-V in flight.
PAL-V
The "cockpit" of the PAL-V.
PAL-V
Close up of the interior of the PAL-V.
PAL-V
The PAL-V flying car on the runway.
PAL-V
The PAL-V flying car on the runway.
PAL-V
The PAL-V taking off.
PAL-V
The flying car in front of PAL-V headquarters.
PAL-V
The PAL-V flying car on the runway.
PAL-V
The PAL-V reportedly drives as well as it flies.
