AeroMobil 4.0 Flying Car

The AeroMobil 4.0 Flying Car was exhibited at the International Paris Air Show 2017. Image courtesy of AeroMobil.

The flying car will be delivered to customers from 2020. Image courtesy of AeroMobil.

The vehicle can fly at a top speed of 360km/h. Image courtesy of AeroMobil.

The AeroMobil 4.0 Flying Car was introduced at the International Paris Air Show held at Paris–Le Bourget Airport, in June 2017. The car is being designed and manufactured by AeroMobil.

The new commercial model of the car is currently available for pre-order and will be delivered to customers by 2020.

The AeroMobil 4.0 cuts travel time compared to a traditional airline and will also enable users to travel distances of up to 1,000km more efficiently.

AeroMobil 4.0 Flying Car design and features

The AeroMobil 4.0 incorporates an advanced automotive crash structure made of composite materials. It combines the functionality of a car and an aeroplane in a single flexible platform.

An integrated carbon cradle in the centre holds the power unit and includes an attachment point for the wings made of pre-impregnated composites. Each wing includes a wing-folding structure and control surfaces with flower flaps for an optimal flying experience.

The vehicle is installed with latest turbocharging technologies and systems to attain additional power and altitude.

The vehicle is built using monocoque construction techniques. The tail surface incorporates flight controls and rear suspension geometry. The ultra-lightweight wheels of the vehicle enable landing on tarmac, concrete or grass.

The automotive configuration has a length of 5.9m, a width of 2.2m and height of 1.5m, while the aircraft platform measures 5.8m-long, 8.8m-wide and 1.4m-high.

The vehicle can fly at a top speed of 360km/h, while the top speed on the road is 160km/h. The maximum take-off weight of the vehicle is 960kg, while the useable load and the fuel capacity are 240kg and 90l respectively.

The automotive obtained European certification under EWVTA / M1 class and US certification under 49 CFR 571 class. It was also granted the European certification under CS 23 Rev 5/ELA 1 class and US certification of 14 CFR 23 Rev 5.

AeroMobil 4.0 interiors and exteriors

The interiors of the vehicle are designed with advanced safety technologies and features such as pyrotechnic seatbelts and dual-stage airbags. The vehicle also incorporates in-built vehicle recovery ballistic parachutes to avoid crash landings.

The seating positions of the pilot and co-pilot are fixed by distributing the weights in an efficient manner. The adjustable pedal box and main flight/drive controls further enhance comfort and safety.

The AeroMobil 4.0 incorporates a unique glass cockpit, which is identical to that of a traditional aircraft. Integrated digital displays in the cockpit will present automotive operation information of the vehicle.

Engines and performance

The flying car is powered by a hybrid-electric propulsion system integrating a 2.0l turbocharged four-cylinder boxer internal combustion engine and two electric motors. It is powered by a dedicated electric front wheel drive system, which develops a maximum power of 110bhp.

The engine is coupled to a direct drive variable pitch propeller through an adaptive transmission during the flight mode. It generates a maximum power of 300hp.

The propeller retracts into the fuselage when the vehicle is prepared for driving mode.

The flying car features an advanced suspension system equipped with variable modes. The system places wheels at the optimum position for road mode and positions the wheels in the desired position during take-off and landing, while the wheels are retracted during the flight to reduce drag.