Flying cars: the future of the global automotive industry or the privilege of millionaires

James Bond would have done even more incredible stunts if he had at his disposal a flying car, such as a Liberty Pioneer. This improved model was introduced recently by a Dutch company, which plans not only to demonstrate it at various technical exhibitions, but also to launch mass production of machines next year. But Liberty Pioneer is far from the only vehicle that combines the capabilities of a car and an aircraft. That future from science fiction films where people fly by cars has already come. We have selected for you several promising models of such vehicles designed by engineers from around the world.

AeroMobil, Slovak company AeroMobil

The AeroMobil was first introduced in 2017 at an exhibition in Monaco. This model has folding wings, and the fuel supply, which is used as gasoline, is enough for 700 kilometers of flight. The company has already developed several advanced models and in the near future plans to launch production of custom-made flying cars.

Lilium Jet, European Space Agency

This is a two-seater electric car, which, in flight mode, speeds up to 300 km / h. One battery charge is enough for 300-500 kilometers of flight, depending on speed. This model belongs to the category of sports aircraft and is capable of taking off and landing on any flat surface of a small area.

Terrafugia Transition, an American company Transition

The first test flights of this device took place in 2009. The wings of this vehicle are folded in such a way that the Terrafugia Transition easily fits into a standard car garage. The aircraft successfully passed all flight tests and received a license, but the serial production of this car was postponed several times. The next mass production date is 2019.

Liberty Pioneer, Dutch company PAL-V

This gas-powered car is equipped with blades that allow it to take off from an asphalt pad, about 300 meters long. The fuel supply is enough for an average of 500 kilometers. The company expects to release the first batch of 90 cars in 2020.

All these models are very interesting and open up many new opportunities. As a rule, manufacturers ask for such vehicles from 500 thousand to 1.5 million US dollars. But if the first copies will be available only to very wealthy people who head the Forbes ratings, then in the future the prices for such aircraft can significantly decrease. According to experts, such models will be of interest not only to private owners, but also to sports clubs of aircraft enthusiasts, as well as to travel companies that plan and organize exclusive tours.