PAL-V : Personal Air & Land Vehicle

The PAL-V ONE is a hybrid of a car a motorbike and a gyrocopter: a personal air and land vehicle. A solution to increasing congestion in cities, highways and skyways.

On the ground, the slim line, aerodynamic 3-wheel vehicle is as comfortable as a luxury car. But has the agility of a motorbike, thanks to its patented cutting-edge ‘tilting’ system. The single rotor and propeller are folded away until the PAL-V ONE is ready to fly.

Airborne, the PAL-V ONE flies under the 4,000 feet (1,500 m) floor of commercial air space. The PAL-V ONE is highly fuel-efficient and powered by an environmentally certified car engine. It runs on petrol like a conventional car and can reach speeds of up to 200 km/h both on land and in the air. Its straightforward autogyro flying technology means that the PAL-V ONE is economically and technically feasible in comparison to other forms of air travel.

Like a helicopter, it has a Very Short Take Off and Vertical Landing (VSTOVL) capability making it possible to land practically anywhere. It can be driven to the nearest airfield or helipad and, because it flies below 4,000 feet, can take off without filing a flight plan. The autogyro technology means that it can be steered and landed safely even if the engine fails as it descends vertically rather than nose-diving.

Lift is generated by the forward speed produced by the foldable push propeller on the back. At less than 70 decibels it is much quieter than helicopters due to the slower rotation of the main rotor. a license to fly the PAL-V ONE is more accessible than one for a helicopter or plane because of the regulations controlling autogyro craft.

In the United States and soon in Europe the infrastructure is in place for ‘digital freeways’ that provide easy and safe corridors using GPS technology to aid regulation and prevent collisions for low flying vehicles. What makes the PAL-V ONE attractive is the convenience of fully integrated door to door transportation. Providing smooth transition from road to air without having to change vehicle. The versatility to allow the driver to change their mind.

With active investors, the PAL-V should be available in 2009 for an undisclosed price.

Read Also:
PAL-V (Product Page)
PALV hoping to lead personal transportation revolution (Gizmag)
The Amazing Flying Dutch Car (Coolest Gadgets)
Flying Tricycle By 2009 (OhGizmo!)