BMW-powered AirCar flying car takes one step closer to mass production

The Air Car flying car has received the certificate of airworthiness from the Slovak Transport Authority, which brings it closer to the reality of mass production.

A car-sized vehicle that can roll on the roads and fly in the skies seemed like a dream a few years ago, but with various companies around the world working on such vehicles, it now seems possible. Meanwhile, Klein Vision’s AirCar flying car, which uses a BMW engine, has taken a giant step towards mass production.

The AirCar flying car made its maiden flight in 2020 and made its first intercity flight in June last year and now the vehicle has received the certificate of airworthiness from the Slovak Transport Authority, CarScoops reported. To achieve this milestone, the flying car underwent more than 70 hours of testing which included a series of actions and some touch and go.

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With another feather in its wake, which is the new certification, the flying car is getting closer to the end goal of mass production. “AirCar certification opens the door to the mass production of highly efficient flying cars. It’s official and the final confirmation of our ability to change mid-distance travel forever,” said Stefan Klein, development team leader and test driver at CarScoops.

Klein Vision may currently be the only company this close to actual tangible production of a flying car, the publication reported. The company is aiming for the public version of the flying car to have up to 1,000 km or 621 miles of range. It is powered by a 140 hp 1.6-litre four-cylinder BMW engine and has a fixed propeller and a ballistic parachute.

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The flying car is capable of running at a speed of 170 km/h and can fly up to a distance of 1,000 km at an altitude of 8,200 feet. The vehicle also has the ability to perform certain maneuvers in the air.

Flying cars have been discussed for quite some time and these vehicles are considered to be the future means of urban and intercity transport as the roads are becoming increasingly congested.

Date of first publication: January 24, 2022, 10:10 am IST