Flying car arrives in France: 160km/h in the air and on the road

"Liberty" is its nickname. This vehicle of the future, designed by the Dutch company PAL-V, could be the first to be authorised in Europe. 

Pal-V has been working on this flying car prototype since 2008. Named "Liberty," the three-wheeled vehicle, equipped with a propeller and rotor, was certified for use in 2020. What's special about it? It can be used on the road and in the air!

For the first time, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued a technical no-objection statement regarding a vehicle of this type, according to the media outlet Demotivateur. The Dutch company Pal-V is currently awaiting the final of the seven certification phases from the EASA, a step that brings its flying car closer to mass production and, subsequently, commercialisation.

A transition that takes 5 minutes, clock ticking

The first trials took place in 2012. Since then, the design of "Liberty" has evolved significantly. The flying car has two seats and runs on unleaded petrol. Overall, it has a range of 1300km and can reach 160km/h on the road. In the air, the vehicle has the same speed but its range doesn't exceed 500km. It's noteworthy that it can fly at an altitude of 3,000 metres. And if you're wondering how long it takes for the car to switch from driving to flying, know that the transition only takes 5 minutes; the time to deploy the rear propeller and the main rotor, as well as engage the lifting of the chassis.

However, the "Liberty" has some drawbacks: it's not very practical. Indeed, it will need to take off and land from an aerodrome. Moreover, you will need a private or microlight pilot's licence to be able to drive and fly it. 

Currently, the sale price is set at 299,000 euros (for the standard model). As reported by Demotivateur, Pal-V has already received over 100 firm orders and a thousand purchase intentions. Its entry into service is announced for next year. 

(MH with Raphaël Liset - Source: Demotivateur - Illustration: ©Unsplash)