As flying car concepts appear on news channels, questions arise over whether we will actually see these in our skies (this time).
Over the last twelve months, shiny headlines about shiny flying vehicles have saturated aerospace news (…admittedly some of these headlines have been our own here at Flite Test). So, does this mean that flying cars are finally about to land on a driveway near you?
Historically speaking, the idea to combine the convenience of a car with the range and speed of an aircraft has always been a desirable notion. To create this ideal personal flying vehicle was attempted several times throughout the 20th century but never really got anywhere. Why now, then, should the flying car be about to 'take off' as a practical and commercial success?
The Slovakian AeroMobil 3.0 fits into a normal sized parking space.
The drone revolution probably has quite a lot to answer for. There’s a reason we’re seeing so many eVTOL concepts plastered all over social media at the moment: the technology has finally caught up with the idea. Now, designers don’t have to rely on wings and control surfaces to make their ideas fly, they have huge powerful motors and sufficient batteries at their disposal.
"Flying Cars are not a very efficient way to move things from one point to another".
- Bill Gates
It’s clear why the eVTOL type vehicle is appealing. Just like in Blade Runner, operators flying eVTOLs would be able to take off and land in spaces little bigger than car parks and driveways. This Aston Martin eVTOL, for example, is a 'car' with this ability marketed as the ultimate in luxury personal transportation. However, other companies trying to stake a claim to this promising new industry are sticking to more traditional designs with wings and control surfaces which have still been well received. The terrafugia flying car and AeroMobil 3.0 are two such examples. The excitement around the flying car is definitely back in a big way.
Personal Flying eVTOLs
Aston Martin's Stunning Flying Car Concept
Why are Flying Cars Problematic?
Despite the initial excitement around the personal flying vehicle, it's not certain whether we will see them in our skies anytime soon. Here are a few reasons why the revolution might never come.
1. Compromise
Historically speaking, the flying car has always been a compromise between a poor flying aircraft and a severely limited ground vehicle. Even with the eVTOL, range limitations may be a factor.
2. Cost
Indeed, in 1900, a motor car cost far more than the majority could afford, but today will most of those who can afford the hefty price tag of a flying car prefer to buy a practical sports car and a Cessna instead?
3. Legality
Many of the concepts released by companies over the last year have been classed as Light Sports Aircraft by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) meaning that 'drivers' must hold a sports pilot license as well as a driving license. This suggests that, for now, it might not be all that simple to acquire and drive a flying car.
Flite Test Flying Car: Remember the time we made a DIY flying car in 2018? How could anyone forget?!
“It’s difficult to imagine the flying car becoming a scalable solution”
- Elon Musk
Although it seems that the flying car can exist, there’s still the question over whether it should. CEO of Aston Martin Dr. Andy Palmer says ‘we need to look at alternative solutions to reduce congestion’, but is the flying car the most affordable, efficient or sensible solution? Post a comment down below to let us know of your thoughts.
Article by James Whomsley
Editor of FliteTest.com
Contact: [email protected]
YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/projectairaviation
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