Klein Vision’s AirCar Successfully Completes Flight Tests

Klein Vision’s Aircar (V5) has safely completed flight tests, performing two 1500’ AGL flights, or two full airport patterns, including two takeoffs and landings at Piestany airport in Slovakia. Designed by Professor Stefan Klein, the AirCar is a two-seater roadable aircraft designed for both personal and commercial use. 

The Klein Vision AirCar (wings extended)
Photograph: Klein Vision

The AirCar weighs in at 1,100 kg, and can carry a payload of about 200 kg during flight. Powered by a BMW 1.6L engine, the AirCar has an estimated power output of 140 HP. The roadable aircraft can switch from road to flight mode in under 3 minutes, and is expected to have a travel range of 1,000 km with fuel consumption at 18 liters per hour during flight. For flight, the AirCar will need to use a runway of at least 300m, and will have a cruise speed of 200 km/h once in the air. 

The final version of the AirCar is expected to have 2 seater, 3 seater, and 4 seater designs, as well as a twin-engine design and an amphibious design. 

According to Klein Vision founder and CEO, Professor Stefan Klein, “The key flight parameters confirmed all theoretical concepts and calculations that the development of the AirCar was based on. Following the completion of all required flight tests in compliance with EASA regulations, we will deliver a model with a certified ADEPT, 300HP engine within the next 6 next months. The good news is, we already have a buyer.”

Klein Vision co-founder, investor, and pilot Anton Zajac added that “With AirCar you will arrive at your destination without the hassle of getting a ride to airport and passing through commercial security, you can drive your AirCar to the golf course, the office, the mall or your hotel and park it in a normal parking space.”

Visit Klein Vision’s website here

The Klein Vision AirCar (wings retracted)
Photograph: Klein Vision

Why it’s important: A roadable aircraft is a difficult vehicle to produce, as companies must factor in the requirements of both a car and an aircraft into a single design, which lends itself to trade-offs that may compromise performance in one mode of operation or the other. However, this successful flight test shows that Klein Vision’s AirCar may be capable of bridging the gap between flight and ground transportation.

Source // Klein Vision – PR Newswire