Most aviation enthusiasts have probably already heard about the Terrafugia Transition flying car concept. However, Moller International’s M400 Skycar has another flying car concept that would be the world’s first and only feasible personal vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicle.
The M400 Skycar is not only intended to ultimately replace the automobile, it’s designed to be a green aircraft that will fly on ethanol.
Sound far fetch? Actually, the FAA has recently accepted an Experimental Airworthiness Certification application for the M400 Skycar – the last step in the federal regulatory requirements process just prior to an actual flight test.
On the other hand and back in June, we should note that the President of Terrafugia sent out a letter stating that the company has “encountered a number of the challenges that are common in aircraft development programs, including problems with third party suppliers.” Hence, I suspect that Moller International may confront the same types of issues at some point and so it’s far from certain that any type of flying car will be coming to your garage in the immediate future.
Nevertheless and if you have to sit in heavy traffic every day, the M400 Skycar looks like a clever idea worth waiting for.
