Moller M400 Skycar: The Car Of The Future Is Around The Corner (Link)

Moller International has developed the first and only feasible, personally affordable, personal vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicle the world has ever seen.

The M400 Skycar can cruise comfortably at 275 MPH (maximum speed of 375 MPH) and achieve up to 20 miles per gallon on clean burning, ethanol fuel. No traffic, no red lights, no speeding tickets. Just quiet direct transportation from point A to point B in a fraction of the time. Three dimensional mobility in place of two dimensional immobility.

Using a principle similar to that of the British Harrier jump jet, the Moller Skycar volantor incorporates a patented thrust deflection vane system that redirects thrust, enabling it to hover or to takeoff and land vertically from almost any surface.

Passengers:	4
Top speed @ 13,200 ft:	375 mph
Cruise speed @ 20,000 ft:	275 mph
Maximum rate of climb:	6,000 fpm
Maximum range:	750 miles
Payload excluding fuel:	750 lbs
Operational ceiling:	36,000 ft
Gross weight:	2,400 lbs
Engine power (2 min. rating):	1,200 hp
Fuel consumption:	approx. 20 mpg
Fuel:	Ethanol
Dimensions (LxWxH):	19.5' x 8.5' x 7.5'
Takeoff and landing area:	35 ft dia
Emergency parachutes:	yes

As far as the cost of ownership goes, Moller says that initially the M400 Skycar will sell for a price comparable to that of a four-passenger high performance helicopter or airplane, approximately $500,000. As the volume of production increases substantially, its price can approach that of a quality automobile ($60,000-$80,000).

Watch a video of the Hover Demonstration (March 23rd, 2003).

Read Also:
Moller M400 Skycar (21st Century Technology)
The Next Step: Cars that Fly (Gizmag)