Flying car Archives - Exhibit Tech

Flying cars have been a concept majorly explored in sci-fi and fantasy films like Harry Potter. Who does not remember Harry and Ron make their way to the Hogwarts train in a flying 1962 Ford Anglia 105E? While an interesting concept, the flying car or taxies have been limited to only films and pop culture. But it looks like reality is finally catching up to fiction!

United Airlines orders 200 flying taxies

United Airlines is investing $15 million in Eve Air Mobility. It is a Brazilian startup owned by the aircraft manufacturer Embraer. United Airlines is all set to purchase 200 of Eve’s electric air taxies that can seat up to 4 passengers. As only seen in Star Wars or the Avengers so far, these electric taxis can take off and land vertically like helicopters. This won’t be the first time United Airlines has made a major investment in electronic aviation. The company had last year invested in Archer, a company aiming to make a similar aircraft.

Companies like Eve Air Mobility and Archer are trying to develop small, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft aimed at flying from rooftop to rooftop as a taxi service. However, none of the companies have received clearance from federal aviation regulations to fly passengers. It is to be noted that the United Airlines order of Eve flying taxis is a ‘conditional purchase agreement’, the terms of the conditions are not revealed by the company. The delivery of the first Eve aircraft is expected in 2026, having a range of 60 miles. The investment comes from United’s venture arm, United Airlines Ventures. This arm is being used by United Airlines to reach its zero emissions goal by 2050.

A flying car: Something that fans of The Jetsons and tech freaks have always been pining for. After all the fantasizing and day-dreaming, finally, it is one step closer to reality. The AirCar, an experimental prototype by KleinVision has recently taken its maiden flight!

Developed by the aforementioned KleinVision, which is a Slovakian company founded by Stefan Klein, the AirCar is predominantly built from advanced composite materials that were produced by the certified Slovak company SKMODEL, s.r.o. All construction parts were manufactured meeting the highest quality standards using high-tech methods. It was tested successfully at Nitra airport in October 2019.

To test a number of aerodynamic and flight control characteristics predicted by digital simulation and analyses, a Flight Demonstrator Testbed (FDT), a model in the scale 1:1, had been built and used in flight mode. All the results measured and observed with the FDT confirmed the theoretical predictions. Currently, the FDT has been donated to and is displayed in the Aviation Museum in Košice.

The AirCar comprises several functional units. Its aerodynamic fuselage provides enough space for the passengers and simultaneously contributes to better lift characteristics during the flight. Among advanced technologies are retractable wings, folding tail surfaces, and a parachute deployment system, among others. The folding tail surfaces contribute to better longitudinal stability and take-off characteristics, just like in a conventional aircraft. However, in the car mode, the retracted tail results in a more compact size.

A fully functional flying of the AirCar prototype has been developed, from an initial idea to final product in the experimental category within 18 months. Experimental categories support the complete research and verification of all technical and design tasks.

Simulation methods and design optimization have been used throughout the entire R&D stage. A simulation, based on the CFD analyses was carried out at VUT Brno in close cooperation with experts in aerodynamics. The team has performed extensive analyses using state-of-the-art simulation methods such as FEM to achieve the best overall outcome. The load and stress calculations were conducted by Dalibor Vlček, MSc., who also contributed with his experience gained while acting as a Compliance Verification Engineer within several projects overseen by EASA.

The AirCar prototype is currently subject to intense ground and flight tests in the experimental category since October 2019. The flying prototype of AirCar was introduced to the general public on November 5, 2019, at CIIE in Shanghai, China. Thorough testing will continue in the next months to come. Variations of two engines will be included in the tests, along with an amphibious version.

Though there is no news of the official launch of the AirCar in the Indian or international market, its research is expected to conclude soon, which will lead to the initiation of its commercial production.