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RPM TV Website | March 22, 2024

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Dutch-built flying car set to become a motoring reality

Dutch-built flying car set to become a motoring reality
Deon Schoeman

The concept of a flying car is nothing new – it’s been part of science fiction for decades. And yet, its transition into production reality has remained elusive – until now.

Dutch company PAL-V has finally launched a for-sale version of the Liberty, a machine that combines the attributes of a three-wheeler and a gyrocopter in a single, radical package. And yes, it can drive on roads, and fly.

The Liberty looks more like a futuristic trike with some odd attachments. While the body structure itself is streamlined, the effect is somewhat spoilt by the rotor assembly, which remains an ungainly appendage on the roof, even when the Liberty is driving rather than flying.

Other tell-tale exterior features that point to the vehicle’s unusual talents are the faired-in wheels, the extended wheel struts, and the large vertical stabilisers on either side, which play a pivotal role during flight.

But despite its unusual aesthetics, the Liberty is undoubtedly the first truly feasible flying car. And that’s quite an achievement, given the engineering and regulatory challenges.

The Liberty uses dual, Rotax-based drivetrains for its driving and flying roles. The Rotax horizontally-opposed engine is a hugely popular and proven unit in aviation circles.

During normal driving, the three-wheeler’s suspension is set to a lower position, while the two-seater cockpit tilts during cornering, which aids stability and driver enjoyment.

Despite the Rotax engine’s modest 75 kW output, the Liberty’s low 664 kg kerb mass allows for useful performance: claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time is under 9 sec, together with a 160 km/h top speed.

If you want to go flying, the roof-mounted twin-blade rotor unfolds, the suspension is transformed into a raised undercarriage, and engine power is doubled, with a second Rotax coming on song.

With a maximum take-off weight of 910 kg (which gives the Liberty a payload of 246 kg), the flying car needs around 180 m to become airborne. Once in the air, its operating ceiling is 3 500 m (approximately 10 000 ft).

Maximum airspeed is 180 km/h, but cruising at 160 km/h, range is 360 km/h, with 30 min of reserve fuel a full payload. A full set of avionics augments the conventional instruments.

According to PAL-V, safety was a priority during the development of the Liberty, and one of the key reasons why it’s based on a gyrocopter. Even without power, the Liberty can land in just 30 m at a speed of only 30 km/h. Apparently the flying machine also meets the necessary automotive safety standards.

Operating the Liberty will require a private pilot’s licence, in addition to a driving licence, as the craft will be subject to all the air traffic control regulations imposed on conventional aircraft. Production will commence at PAL-V’s facilities in the Netherlands this year, with the first Liberties expected to be delivered to owners in 2018.

As for price, the Liberty is expected to sell for the Euro equivalent of R435 000, which is excellent value in pure aircraft terms, let alone the benefit of being able to drive it, too!

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