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Watch: Hybrid car-aircraft AirCar moves one step closer to become reality. Find out how

WION Web Team
LondonUpdated: Jan 25, 2022, 01:31 PM IST
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A certificate of airworthiness by the Slovak Transport Authority has been issued to the hybrid car-aircraft AirCar. Photograph:(Twitter)

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The hybrid car-aircraft, which is called AirCar, has got a BMW engine and runs on regular petrol pump fuel. It can transform into aircraft from car in just two minutes and 15 seconds

Flying cars have always been fascinating for several people around the world. And it’s great to witness the dream turn into reality.  

In a latest development, a certificate of airworthiness by the Slovak Transport Authority has been issued to a flying car, which is capable of hitting speeds over 100mph (160kmh) and altitudes above 8,000ft (2,500m).  

The hybrid car-aircraft, which is called AirCar, has got a BMW engine and runs on regular petrol-pump fuel.  

It can transform into aircraft from car in just two minutes and 15 seconds.  

The certification was given after 70 hours of flight tests and over 200 take-offs and landings, the company said.  

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"AirCar certification opens the door for mass production of very efficient flying cars," said Prof Stefan Klein, who is its creator.  

"It is official and the final confirmation of our ability to change mid-distance travel forever."  

The flying car had also completed a 35-minute flight between international airports in Nitra and Bratislava, Slovakia in June 2021.  

It planned "to fly to London from Paris in near future", the company told BBC News.  

Dr Steve Wright, senior research fellow, avionics and aircraft systems, University of the West of England, said the news was "a good step down the road" for the company and made him "cautiously optimistic that I am going to see a few AirCars one day - but I think there is still a way to go".   

(With inputs from agencies)