In a world first, the Klein Vision Company in Slovakia recently completed a passenger flight using their AirCar model, a vehicle that can both move on the road and in the air. The test flight, which carried French musician Jean-Michel Jarre as a passenger, took place on an airport runway in Slovakia.
Klein Vision is known for its innovative approach to transportation technology, and the successful completion of this test flight is a significant milestone for the company. In 2021, AirCar completed its first inter-city flight between Nitra and Bratislava international airports in Slovakia, and received its airworthiness license in January 2022 after spending 130 flight hours and conducting 520 takeoffs and landings at various international airports.
The AirCar is equipped with several functional parts that allow for seamless transitioning between ground and air travel. The aerodynamic body of the vehicle provides both comfort to passengers and enhances lifting performance during flight. Advanced features include a retractable wing, a foldable tail surface, and a parachute opening system, all contributing to the vehicle’s safety and performance.
At the prototype stage, AirCar used a 160 horsepower BMW engine with fixed pitch propellers and a ballistic parachute for enhanced safety. The two-seat version weighs approximately 1,100 kg and has a lifting capacity of 200 kg. Future versions of AirCar will incorporate more advanced features, such as the ADEPT aviation engine known for its strong, ultra-light, and fuel-efficient design.
Klein Vision is also working on developing interior compartments and additional vehicle models, including 3 and 4-seat versions, dual engines, and amphibians. The company has completed the preliminary design and technical evaluation of a single-seat version with variable pitch propellers, aiming to achieve speeds of over 300 km/h with a range of 1,000 km. Overall
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