Flying cars are almost a reality, thanks to some recent dramatic technical advances.
Apart from a number of startups, several big names in the tech industry, such as Aeromobil, EHang, Airbus, Uber, and Terrafugia, are working toward making flying cars a reality.
Now, more than 30 years after the hit sci-fi movie Back to the Future wowed us with its nuclear-powered DeLorean, DeLorean Aerospace is joining the race to build a real-life flying car. This vehicle has many of the same flying capabilities as the movie time machine.
DeLorean is developing a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft powered by electricity. Called the DeLorean DR-7, the two-seater car has four wings and a pair of winglets.
Image courtesy DELOREAN AEROSPACE
DR-7: Speed and Maneuverability
- The DeLorean DR-7 can reach an impressive top speed of 240 mph and has a range of 120 miles.
- It has a pair of 360-degree thrust-vectoring electric ducted fans. Placed at the front and rear, the fans will tilt from a horizontal orientation for takeoff and landing to vertical orientation for forward flight.
So far, DeLorean has built a dummy model inspired by F1 cars. Currently standing at 19.5 ft. long, the DR-7 flying car will eventually be small enough to fit into your home garage.
The firm expects to have a working prototype to conduct test flights by the end of next year.
