Slovakian startup, Klein Vision, recently achieved an important milestone in the world of transportation by completing the first passenger flight using their AirCar model. The company’s unique vehicle can switch seamlessly between ground and air travel.
During the test flight, French musician Jean-Michel Jarre served as a passenger on the winged sports car that took off from an airport runway in Slovakia. The video shared by the company showed the vehicle running along the runway on four wheels before taking off into the air. The aircraft landed safely with both Jarre and the pilot at the wheel just a few minutes later.
In 2021, AirCar completed its first inter-city flight between Nitra and Bratislava international airports in Slovakia and received its airworthiness license in January 2022 after spending 130 flight hours and conducting 520 takeoffs and landings at various international airports.
AirCar is equipped with several functional parts that allow for easy transitioning between ground and air travel. The aerodynamic body of the vehicle provides comfort to passengers while enhancing lifting performance during flight. Advanced features include a retractable wing, a foldable tail surface, and a parachute opening system, all contributing to the vehicle’s safety and performance.
At present, AirCar uses a 160 horsepower BMW engine with fixed pitch propellers and a ballistic parachute for enhanced safety. However, future versions of AirCar will incorporate more advanced features such as ADEPT aviation engines known for their strong design, ultra-lightweight nature, and fuel efficiency.
Klein Vision is also working on developing interior compartments and additional vehicle models such as 3 and 4-seat versions, dual engines, amphibians, and a single-seat version with variable pitch propellers aiming to achieve speeds of over 300 km/h with a range of 1,000 km. This successful test flight marks significant progress in the field of air and land travel technology.
In conclusion, Klein Vision’s successful test flight demonstrates remarkable innovation in transportation technology by achieving seamless transitions between ground