The concept of a flying car is not new and has been portrayed as modern transport in a number of science fiction movies and books. However, in the enterprise of engineering and aviation, in the recent past, engineers have been plotting the near realization of this dream. So, can one really say that a real flying car prototype indeed exists? The answer is Yes, and three major companies are to date researching to produce functional models.
- Progress Made With the Flying Car
The general idea of flying car has been around for some time now, but what has changed with the emergence of the new technologies is that it has become possible to go from concept to production. Terrafugia, PAL-V and Vertical Aerospace are companies inventing vehicles that have features of both a car and an aircraft. Those vehicles should be able to move on roads and in certain circumstances turn into an aircraft that can fly.
- Types of Flying Cars
As much as the flying cars are a concept of the future some of them can be seen today. Some resemble miniature airplanes, where the wings are retractable and some resemble drones and thus have multiple propellers for taking off. For example, the Terrafugia Transition is an automobile productive that can be driven on the ground and flown through the skies like an aeroplane. In contrast, PAL-V’s Liberty is a gyrocopter and it is a roadable aircraft but it needs a runway to take off.
- Challenges and Potential
Despite seemingly being just a stone’s throw away, there are quite a few hurdles to be crossed when it comes to flying cars. Others include the need for its approval, navigation, security, establishment of flying cars terminal among others. But, going by the achievements made so far, what has been realized is that the society is now nearer to having flying cars as some of them.
In conclusion, flying cars are no longer just a fantasy. With ongoing innovations, prototypes are being tested and refined, and in the near future, we could see these futuristic vehicles become part of our everyday lives.