World's first flying car, a two-seater Pal-V Liberty, on track for 2020 launch
The long-cherished dream of fly-driving is set to become a reality when the first gyroplane takes to the air this month
Pilots and drivers get ready – the world’s first flying car production model, designed and manufactured by Dutch company PAL-V International, has been launched at this year’s Farnborough Air Show in England, and should be ready for delivery in 2020.
The two-seater PAL-V Liberty gyroplane reaches a maximum speed of 160km/h (100mph) when in drive mode, and 180km/h (112.5mph) in flight mode. Its maximum operating altitude is 3,500 metres (3,827 yards), with a minimum speed of 50km/h (31mph) for level flight. It also requires a take-off distance of 330m (360 yards) plus 15m (16.4 yards) obstacle clearance.
The gyroplane boasts a plush full-leather interior, and comes in two editions: the limited Liberty Pioneer of just 90 vehicles, which includes a degree of personalisation for its lucky owner, and the Liberty Sport standard model priced at about 299,000 euros (US$350,427).
“Once full certification is granted in 2020, we will hand over the keys of the PAL-V Liberty to our first customers,” said PAL-V CEO Robert Dingemanse.
Nevertheless, drivers will definitely need to obtain a licence from a flight school before they can even think about piloting this gyroplane!
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