The future of flying cars will soon be a reality. Tom Duhain tells us about a serious investment in technology developed in California.
His Skycar model, now being wind tunnel tested, will be the first aircraft to come from the new joint venture.
Dr. Paul Moller: "The first 2 passenger Skycar version, similar to this, will take about a year until first deliveries."
Skycar 200 is designed for short distance, low level flight and then it could be driven on a street at 30 mph. It's classified as light sports aviation.
Dr. Paul Moller: "It will not require a pilot's license. It will require what's called a pilot's certificate which is like a driver's license."
Seeing craft like this in the sky has been Dr. Moller's lifelong dream. He says the joint venture is the biggest development ever. $80 million from Athena technologies of southern California with much more promised.
Dr. Paul Moller: "We've never had a significant amount of capital at any one time."
This lightweight Jetson-looking utility craft is also ready for production. Moller says it can be used for agriculture, boarder patrols and even emergency rescues.
Over 50 years, Moller has developed several concepts for vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. There have been ups and downs, even a 2009 bankruptcy. But Moller's never had a business partner with millions, combined with serious interest from china to build an aircraft production plant.
Dr. Paul Moller: "Making a successful business in important for me and my stockholders. But the personal satisfaction of getting one of these out flying - that's quite different."
Dr. Moller says it's his goal for the joint venture to become the world leader in this type of personal aviation.
TXT 24
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