Moller Skycar VTOL

[JaceTheAce]

Check this out on eBay. They are finally selling it. Mr. Moller, the guy that developed this aircraft is a good friend/mentor of my neighbor...developed and tested right here in Sacramento.

Moller Skycar

Doug, what do you think of these?

 

[davetheflyer]

I saw these in Popular Mechanics a couple of years back. At a half mil it's still a little pricy.

 

[sxauer]

hmm....its not an airplane, and its not a rotorcraft, so what kind of licence would you need to fly this?

 

[darrenf]

This thing has appeared in Popular Mechanics since the early 70's. Sure is taking long enough to get it flying and produced, can't be very fuel efficient. I guess this will be the next thing on TV after the commercials slamming SUVS have run their course.

 

[JaceTheAce]

[ QUOTE ]
hmm....its not an airplane, and its not a rotorcraft, so what kind of licence would you need to fly this?

[/ QUOTE ]

Answer to your question taken from the Moller website:

<font color="orange"> 4.21. Will I need a license to pilot an M400 Skycar?
Currently the Skycar is categorized as a "powered-lift normal" aircraft by the FAA. This means that, yes, you will require a "powered-lift normal" category pilot's license to operate a Skycar. However, it is our intention that the volantor will eventually evolve into a completely automated form of transportation making you a passenger - not a pilot/driver. At that point, no pilot's license would be required.

</font>

 

[JaceTheAce]

[ QUOTE ]
This thing has appeared in Popular Mechanics since the early 70's. Sure is taking long enough to get it flying and produced, can't be very fuel efficient. I guess this will be the next thing on TV after the commercials slamming SUVS have run their course.

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't know about it not being fuel efficient, if everything the website says is true, it gets somewhat good gas mileage:

Passengers: 4
Top speed @ 20,000 ft: 380 mph
Cruise speed @ 29,000 ft (80% Max Range): 300 mph
Cruise speed @ 29,000 ft (Max Range): 210 mph
Cruise speed @ Sea Level (Max Range): 140 mph
Maximum rate of climb: 5500 fpm
Maximum range: 900 miles
Net payload: 750 lbs
Fuel consumption: 28 mpg
Operational ceiling: 29,000 ft
Gross weight: 2400 lbs
Installed engine power: 645 hp
Power boost (emergency): 70%
Dimensions (LxWxH): 19.5' x 8.5' x 7.5'
Takeoff and landing area: 35 ft dia
Noise level at 500 ft: 65 dba (Goal)
Vertical takeoff and landing: yes
Uses automotive gas: yes
Emergency parachutes: yes