Department of Defense Flying Car?

[trl0219]

I just saw this article about the DOD making a flying car. It is said to be used in hostile terrain and in in places where mines are high risk. Can't wait to save up $55 million so I can get one.

http://www.digitaltrends.com/lifestyle/darpa-looks-to-make-a-flying-car/

 

[Gyro28866]

been done already
MOLLER

 

[Resasi]

Wonder why the Moller has remained a one-off and in the garage?

 

[Master Roda]

The guy raped investors with a flawed product.

Fuel burn on 8 rotary engines is killer on economy

 

[trl0219]

I may be wrong, but what I gathered was that they were going for more like a "Fifth Element" type setup. Something that didn't need special training to operate. VTOL, four troops with full gear, with a 250 mile range. The Skycar was cool, but I think they are trying to make sci-fi flying cars the real deal. We'll have to wait and see.

 

[GyroDoug]

We already have a flying car (...or motorcycle). It's called the Super Sky Cycle and available today. While I am sure there is room for all kinds of improvements and who's to say what we can someday accomplish, I'm not sure that the dream of flying vehicles being piloted by people with no special training is either practical or desirable. It will be interesting to see if anything ever comes from this.

 

[WaspAir]

Wonder why the Moller has remained a one-off and in the garage?

It can't fly.

After 40 years of development, there are about 30 seconds of "hover" time shown in videos on Moller's website -- all of it tethered to a crane. Total distance flown in level flight appears to be about 12 feet of creeping back and forth in "hover".

I can do just about as well with a good step ladder for significantly less risk and investment.

 

[Resasi]

It was supposed rhetorical. Should have put an icon.

Agree with the ladder bit.

 

[Sheldon]

The guy raped investors with a flawed product.

Fuel burn on 8 rotary engines is killer on economy

Yeah but it was a way cool concept and if he had ever been able to get it to fly untehered.....

 

[Resasi]

Guy down the road has a barn with a bunch of pigs and he's been collecting Condors and putting them in there too?

It's a cool idea but the only one I've seen that even looks like it works is Scott's Avatar

 

[Brent_Brown]

Piasecki Airjeep

 

[karlbamforth]

Isreali flying car

Isreali flying car

Over the years the Isreali's have aquired a lot of American designed military kit. Maybe its time for it to work the other way.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/06/16/urban_aero_say_mule_test_imminent/

http://www.urbanaero.com/Frame-X-Hawk.htm