The PAL-V Liberty is One of the First Commercially Available Flying Cars
Justin Lam — March 9, 2018 — Autos
Flying cars may seem like a distant pip-dream, but the Dutch made PAL-V Liberty is a flying car that is currently commercially available. A production model of the vehicle was recently shown at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show and drew plenty of attention. While the personal aircraft is being touted as a flying car, it is actually a well-executed cross between a gyrocopter and a three-wheeled motorcycle. When in road-mode, the vehicle is capable of 99 horsepower and can reach a top speed of 100 mph.
The flying aspect of the PAL-V Liberty is handled by a separate engine in the vehicle, and is given lift by a sop mounted rotor. The vehicle is currently certified to fly under the European Aviation Safety Agency and the US Federal Aviation Administration. Potential pilots of the PAL-V Liberty will need a valid pilot's licence, and will require a small airfield or airstrip to take off and land.
The flying aspect of the PAL-V Liberty is handled by a separate engine in the vehicle, and is given lift by a sop mounted rotor. The vehicle is currently certified to fly under the European Aviation Safety Agency and the US Federal Aviation Administration. Potential pilots of the PAL-V Liberty will need a valid pilot's licence, and will require a small airfield or airstrip to take off and land.
Trend Themes
1. Personal Flying Cars - The availability of commercially available flying cars
2. Cross-between Vehicles - The combination of a gyrocopter and a three-wheeled motorcycle in a single vehicle
3. Certification by Aviation Agencies - The certification to fly under European Aviation Safety Agency and the US Federal Aviation Administration
Industry Implications
1. Automotive - The potential disruption of traditional car manufacturers by the introduction of personal flying cars
2. Aerospace - The development of new technologies and regulations for personal flying vehicles
3. Transportation - The transformation of the transportation industry by the integration of ground and air travel
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