While I am not the biggest fan of flying, I am incredibly intrigued by the Carplane concept. The Carplane is a two-seater car/plane designed by a group of German researchers at the Braunschweig airport.
The Carplane has a design unlike any car-plane combination I have ever seen before (and yes, I have actually seen many car-plane concepts). This design folds the wings into the rear of the car, which lets you drive it on normal roads and in normal traffic conditions. If you so desire to leave the roads and hit the skies, you need only flip a switch to watch the wings come out. The designers list the Carplane's top road speed at 109 mph and its top flight speed at 137 mph. You can check out the Carplane in all its conceptual glory in the video here. Bonus points awarded if you speak German.
Aerial Automobile Concepts
The Carplane Makes Traffic a Thing of the Past
Trend Themes
1. Car-plane Combination Vehicles - The Carplane concept presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the transportation industry, particularly in the development of adaptable vehicles that can function both on roads and in the air.
2. Foldable Economical Wings - The innovative design of the Carplane's folding wings presents opportunities for developing lightweight, efficient, and versatile materials for use in aerospace and automotive industries.
3. Personal Air Transportation - The Carplane concept can drive the trend towards personal air transportation by making it more accessible and affordable for private individuals, opening up possibilities for a new market for personal aviation vehicles.
Industry Implications
1. Aerospace - The Carplane concept presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the aerospace industry, especially in the development of lightweight and cost-effective parts and systems for personal air transportation.
2. Automotive - The Carplane concept can bring disruptive innovation to the automotive industry by promoting the development of adaptable vehicles that cater to changing transportation needs and lifestyles.
3. Aviation - The Carplane concept offers new opportunities for disruptive innovation in the aviation industry, particularly in the development of new personal aviation vehicles that are more accessible, affordable, and eco-friendly.