Netherlands-Based PAL-V Unveils Flying Car
PAL-V of the Netherlands has unveiled the Liberty, its first production flying car, and is taking orders for the vehicle, which it says will be certificated and operation by the end of 2018. Available as the limited-edition Liberty Pioneer for $599,000 and standard Liberty Sport for $399,000, the tandem-seat vehicle is a three-wheeler on the road, with active body tilt to improve roll stability. In the air, it is an autogyro, with two certified 100-hp aviation piston engines for safety. U.S. company SkyRunner, meanwhile, has begun selling a $139,000 off-road vehicle that can fly using a ram-air parafoil wing and pusher propeller. The SkyRunner received FAA certification under the special light-sport aircraft category in 2016, the company says. PAV-L’s 2,000-lb. (910-kg) Liberty has a carbon-fiber body with automotive features such as headlights and safety glass. To convert to an aircraft, the telescoping tail is extended and the two-blade composite rotor and pusher propeller unfolded. In drive mode, maximum speed is 100 mph (160 kph) and range 815 sm (1,315 km). In flight mode, cruise speed is 75-85 kt., maximum altitude 11,500 ft. and range up to 270 nm with one occupant. Takeoff roll is 590 ft. and landing roll 100 ft. In Europe, flying the Liberty will require a light aircraft pilot or private pilot license with a gyroplane rating. In the U.S., a gyroplane pilot license will be required. PAL-V, which flew concept vehicles in 2009 and 2012, says the Liberty will comply with EASA and FAA safety regulations. The tandem-seat SkyRunner, meanwhile, can be flown with a sport pilot license. The vehicle has a dual-engine drive train, with a Polaris engine for ground drive and certified Rotax 914UL light-sport engine for flight.
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