>>>>
http://www.theguardian.com/technology/video/2014/oct/29/flying-car-prototype-unveiled-vienna-technology-show-video>>>>
>>>>Ground clearance looks a bit slim.
>>>>Also a pity that with a claimed top ground speed of 124mph its air cruise speed appeared to be about 50mph.
>>>>But I guess the wheels will at least get it to V2 quite quickly :-}
>>>
>>>Pretty sure the wheels are completely disengaged when in flight mode. Only the propeller accelerates it for takeoff.
>>
>>I wonder if that's true. There's only one power unit - why not use the wheels to shorten the take-off run ?
>>But you're probably right - might be difficult, or even dangerous, to supply power to both drive trains as the same time..
>>
>>Here's their spec:
http://www.aeromobil.com/specification.
>>
>>>There was a light-plane chase plane taking some of that video, and visible in some parts going at the same speed as the prototype. Even if it's a Piper Cub cruise is about 120kph, if it's a Cessna 180 etc. could be up to 200.
>>
>>But the stall speed is less than 40 knots. And in the clip it's being visibly overtaken by a car in the background. Seems like the specs (max. ground 100mph, max air 124mph) differ from what is quoted in the article anyway.
>>
>>Interesting that it has variable attack wings (but still a very high Vr at 90mph). Must admit the cockpit looks pretty professional though.
>
>Yes, we can debate the specs but AFAIK it's the most advanced fixed (although folding) wing car/aircraft hybrid. I haven't seen video of a test flight that's not barely out of ground effect, though.
>
>Over the years there have been some buggy/parasail hybrids e.g.
http://fly-skyrunner.com/ . Those actually have some appeal for off-road/remote use. You could fly over otherwise impassable terrain e.g. swamps, rocks/crags etc.
Yeah, I'd seen that - severely limited by wind conditions though.
Don't get me wrong - I'd love to see a viable production model. But the quote on their web site says it all:
"Mark my word: A combination airplaneand motorcar is coming. You may smile, but it will come" Henry Ford, 1940.
He's been wrong for 75 years.