Slovakia-based Klein Vision Company recently achieved an incredible milestone in the world of transportation by completing the world’s first passenger flight using their AirCar model, a vehicle that can both move on the road and in the air. The test flight, which carried French musician Jean-Michel Jarre as a passenger, took place on an airport runway in Slovakia.
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. The company is now working on developing interior compartments and additional vehicle models, including 3 and 4-seat versions, dual engines, and amphibians.
The AirCar is equipped with several functional parts that allow for seamless transitioning between ground and air travel. The aerodynamic body of the vehicle provides both comfort to passengers and enhances 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 the prototype stage, AirCar used a 160 horsepower BMW engine with fixed pitch propellers and a ballistic parachute for enhanced safety. The two-seat version weighs approximately 1,100 kg and has a lifting capacity of 200 kg. Future versions of AirCar will incorporate more advanced features, such as the ADEPT aviation engine known for its strong, ultra-light, and fuel-efficient design.
The successful test flights and advancements made by Klein Vision demonstrate significant progress in the field of air and land travel technology. With continued innovation