Automobile Barcelona will exhibit the first flying car
Automotive NewsThe PAL-V Liberty can now be reserved and the first units are expected to be delivered next year
Automobile Barcelona 2019 takes off with the display of the PAL-V Liberty Pioneer Edition flying car. After its international presentation at the last Geneva Motor Show, held last March, the issue lands at the 40th edition of the renowned Spanish fair, which this year commemorates its centenary, from May 11 to 19.
It is not the first time in this century of life that the event shows a vehicle that moves through the air. In 1925, he did the same with the Autogiro of the Murcian engineer Ricardo De la Cierva. Since then, 94 years have passed, in which technology has evolved at a dizzying pace to respond to new and future mobility needs. And in this sense the Dutch flying car wants to mark the way in the field of hybrid vehicles, capable of moving both by land and by air.
The idea is that they can move on the asphalt, as well as sail the skies. Something frankly useful, for example, to avoid traffic jams. This tandem three-wheeled vehicle, measuring about four meters in length, two in width and 1.6 in height, can complete the conversion of the ground configuration to the air-and vice versa-in an estimated time of 5-10 minutes. A dynamic curve stabilizer guarantees safety on the road on asphalt, where the estimated range is 1,200 kilometers, a figure that is reduced to less than half when traveling by air.
Unlike a car, which can be parked almost door-to-door, the Liberty can not take off and land anywhere. Said maneuvers need a track to be carried out since they are not performed vertically. To rise, the apparatus requires a tracing of at least 165 meters, a distance that is reduced to 30 meters to be able to touch land safely. Also, it should be noted that to “drive” it is necessary to have a specific pilot license, so that not everyone can be placed at their command.
Another limitation that restricts the number of users of this model is its price. And is that the first ninety units, corresponding to the special limited series Pioneer Edition, will cost about 499,000 euros (without taxes). The price for the standard Sport Edition variant is 299,000 euros. Interested people can now reserve their copy after paying 25,000 euros for the most luxurious model and 10,000 euros for the conventional model. The first vehicles will be delivered next year.
The cabin is ready to accommodate two occupants
According to its creators, “the Pioneer edition is designed for those who want to be part of a unique group that writes the story with us. They will be at the forefront of a revolution in mobility, where we will no longer have cars that only drive. They will be the first pilots of flying cars in their country, driving by air to any destination, “says Dingemanse, CEO of PAL-V.
“The gyrocopter principle not only offers us a safe and easy-to-operate flight vehicle, it also allows us to make it compact and within existing regulations, which is the most important factor in building a usable car that flies,” Mike explains. Stekelenburg, chief engineer of the company.
In Automobile Barcelona 2019, the PAL-V Liberty can only be seen static. In no case, will it fly off the premises of the Montjuïc site. Despite this, its presence is very relevant because it brings us closer to touching the mobility of the future. Who knows if in a few decades more vehicles of this nature will be exhibited than conventional cars …
LA VANGUARDIA – 23/04/2019