Klein Vision have developed an astonishing car that can transform into a small aircraft. The company has been awarded the“official Certificate of Airworthiness” bythe Slovak Transport Authority, following the successful completion of 70 hours of rigorous flight testing compatible with European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards, with over 200 takeoffs and landings.
The challenging flight tests included the full range of flight and performance maneuvers and demonstrated an astonishing static and dynamic stability in the aircraft mode. The takeoff and landing procedures were achieved even without the pilot’s need to touch the flight controls.
It took a team of 8 highly skilled specialists and over 100,000 man-hours to convert design drawings into mathematical models with CFD analysis calculations, wind tunnel testing, 1:1 design prototype powered by electric 15KW engine to 1000kg 2-seat dual-mode prototype powered by 1.6L BMW engine that achieved the crucial certification milestone.
“AirCar certification opens the door for mass production of very efficient flying cars. It is official and the final confirmation of our ability to change mid-distance travel forever,” said Professor Stefan Klein, the inventor, leader of the development team and the test pilot. “50 years ago, the car was the epitome of freedom,” says Anton Zajac, the project cofounder. “AirCar expands those frontiers, by taking us into the next dimension; where road meets sky.”
Klein Vision has already completed tests of a new powerful, lightweight, and efficient ADEPT Airmotive aviation engine and finalized drawings and technical calculations for the upcoming monocoque model with variable pitch propeller expected to reach speeds over 300km/h and range of 1,000km. “ADEPT Airmotive is proud to have our ecologically compliant engines selected to power this exciting and innovative project,” said Richard Schulz – Founder, ADEPT Airmotive. “Klein Vision’s AirCar is an engineering marvel, and we look forward our long-term cooperation!”, added Raymond Bakker, the ADEPT Technical Director. The new production model is expected to be certified in 12 months.
Source: Klein Vision
