Klein Vision's dream of a shape-shifting vehicle that can go from road car to airborne in minutes, requiring only a short landing strip, is one step closer.
The company has licensed its technology to China's Hebei Jianxin Flying Car Technology Company. Financial details are not disclosed, but The prototype cost $2.3 million to develop.
The deal gives the Chinese company exclusive rights to manufacture and sell AirCars within specific geographic regions of China.
The AirCar has retractable wings, a foldable tail, and a parachute deployment system. It takes 2 minutes and 15 seconds to change from sports car mode to airplane mode.
It is powered by a 160HP BMW engine and runs on standard fuel. It has a fixed propeller and a ballistic parachute and runs on standard fuel, without batteries or green hydrogen.
This is the first news from Klein Vision in over two years.
In January 2022, the company announced that its flying car AirCar received an airworthiness certificate from the Slovak Transport Authority, making it legal to fly. The cruising speed is 300km/h and the cruising range is 1000km.
The news followed 142 successful landings in Bratislava. Under the supervision of the Civil Aviation Authority, AirCar completed more than 40 hours of test flights, including her 45-degree sharp turns and stability and maneuverability tests.
In previous tests, the AirCar flew at an altitude of 8200 feet and reached a top speed of 190 kmph (103 knots). The two-seater flying car only needs 300 meters to take off.
The company also announced plans for a four-seater version, a twin-engine amphibious aircraft, or a plane that turns into a boat. Or will the car become a boat and a car?
Since then…nothing.
Where in Europe can you travel in a flying car?
Unfortunately, I'm here to burst your bubble. Currently, no facilities for civilian flying cars have been developed in Europe (or the United States).
There is also a private airstrip, but installing flying cars would require regulatory approval.
Then there's the challenge of getting the air car approved to fly.
Owners of flying cars like the AirCar need an aviation license and a driver's license. A medical examination by a flight inspector and a repair permit are also required. To date, no insurance exists for personal flying cars.
In Europe, experimental aircraft are regulated nationally (rather than by legislation), meaning operators require specific flight permits for each national jurisdiction. European Union Aviation Safety Agency).
Klein Vision's AirCar only comes with an airworthiness certificate from the Slovak Transport Authority. This means that once (if) it becomes commercially available, it can only be flown in Slovakia.
but, Pal V The company from the Netherlands has gone further and in October 2020 received the PAL-V Liberty road emissions for a number of European and non-European countries.
It was also the first to complete full certification In cooperation with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). However, news about operations in Europe is limited, and Pal V sells aircraft to the Middle East.
News from Slovak competitors aeromobi Klein Vision founder Stefan Klein's previous employer, Ground, is much thinner.
I think all flying car manufacturers, like almost all mobility companies, were hit hard by Pamdemic.
The dream of personal flying cars remains based on bureaucracy and infrastructure limitations. Currently, there are few environmental benefits. It is highly doubtful that they will ever become available outside of the hands of a few wealthy people.
