The Next Step: Cars that Fly

The classic flying-saucer shape of the XM-2 and its successors the XM-3 (1966) and the XM-4 (1970) highlights the parallels between the evolving design of the volator and the imaginations of Hollywood film-makers. The XM-3 is notable as one of the most unique configurations - it consisted of a central glass dome for two passengers surrounded by a single ring fan powered by 8 go-kart engines and was also capable of flying in ground effect.

During the Eighties the XM-4 was re-vamped with modified Wankel-type engines and re-named the M200X which has successfully flown over 200 flights since 1989 at altitudes of up to 50 feet.

The volantor design soon evolved into the one-seater M150, the direct predecessor of the M400 Skycar. The M150 has two nacelles (the cylindrical structure that covers the engines and fans giving the Skycar its "Batman" look) rather than four, plus a more streamlined fuselage given the need to accommodate only one person. The nacelles make it safer for those outside the aircraft by eliminating the danger of exposed fans and they also contain deflection vanes that divert the thrust to facilitate vertical takeoff and landing in a manner similar to the famous Harrier Jump Jet.

The eight engines used in the M400 are of Wankel-rotary type, known for their reliability, low emission levels and high power-to-weight ratio since being developed in 1957 by Felix Wankel. Each engine produces 120hp and the small number of moving parts, plus the ability of the Skycar to operate despite the malfunction of one or more engines is also an important safety aspect. The computer controlled flight management, stabilisation and fuel-monitoring systems also enhance safety and in the event of complete failure, two ballistically ejected airframe parachutes are fitted, enabling the vehicle to be guided safely to the ground from height above 150 feet.

Initially a pilots' licence will be required to operate the Skycar, but as the automation systems are developed and proven it is hoped that the training requirements will become less stringent.

Moller is by no means the only person to pursue the long awaited dream of a flying car. Just 14 years after the Wright Brother's history making flight in 1903 Glenn Curtis (who has been dubbed the father of the flying car) designed and built the Autoplane - a three-wing aluminium design similar to a WWI "triplane", but with a car replacing the fuselage, powered by a four-bladed propeller connected to the cars motor. Unfortunately the Autoplane never really got off the ground, but throughout the last century there were numerous attempts to produce a means of personal airborne transport - some were more successful than others with one of the most well knows - Moulton Taylor's Aerocar - nearly making it to the production line in the 70's.

Modern competitors of Moller's Skycar include Urban Aeronautics CityHawk and Turbohawk projects and the SOKOL A400.

Visit Moller's website at www.moller.com to watch the progress of the M400 Skycar's testing via downloadable Quicktime movies.