Flying cars have long been thought of as a Jetsons fantasy. But with a bevy of new flying cars coming to market, or at least in development, the skyward-bound car is becoming less science fiction and more science fact. And this is the latest one, the AeroMobil 3.0. Hailing from Slovakia, it is intended to provide all the limitless mobility of a plane in a somewhat compact and accessible road car. It’s a story we’ve heard time and time again, though you’ve got to say that this team’s execution looks spot on.
As a car, the AeroMobil can use standard parking spaces, drink regular gasoline, and putter around all day like your average automobile. As a plane, it can land and take off at virtually any airport in the world, including grass airstrips or even just a long stretch of paved surface.
The AeroMobil 3.0 sources power from a flat four-cylinder Rotax 912 aircraft engine, and on terra firma it’ll provide road-going top speeds of around 100 mph and an impressive driving range of 540 miles. Though you’ll probably want to get this vehicle airborne as much as possible. When the AeroMobil’s wings fold out, it has a top speed of 124 mph and flight range becomes 430 miles.
Underneath the layers of carbon fiber in its shell and wings, the AeroMobil sports a rugged steel tube frame and sturdy suspension, best suited for rough landings and potholes alike. Inside, the craft boasts advanced avionic equipment, an autopilot feature, and rapid parachute deployment system.
Test flights began in October and, judging by the video above, it appears to be acing all trials with flying colors. Granted, the AeroMobil 3.0 is still just a prototype, though we suspect the wealthier amongst you may be able to order one sooner than you might think.