"Personal Air Land Vehicle"
What happens if you cross a gyrocopter with a car and a
motorbike?
The PALV. The engineering and design firm that came up with this
hybrid concept calls it a personal air and land vehicle -- a
solution to increasing congestion in our cities, highways and
skyways.
On the ground, Spark says the 3-wheel vehicle is as comfortable
as a luxury car. But has the agility of a motorbike, thanks to its
patented cutting-edge ‘tilting' system. The single rotor and
propeller are folded away until the PALV is ready to fly.
Airborne, the PALV flies under the 4,000 feet (1,500 m) floor of
commercial air space. With land and air space reaching capacity,
this is some of the last free space.
The PALV is highly fuel-efficient and powered by an
environmentally certified car engine. It runs on petrol like a
conventional car and can reach speeds of up to 200 km/h both on
land and in the air.
The autogyro technology means that it can be steered and landed
safely even if the engine fails as it descends vertically rather
than nose-diving. Lift is generated by the forward speed produced
by the foldable push propeller on the back.
At less than 70 decibels it is much quieter than helicopters --
the rotors move more slowly through the air. A licence to fly the
PALV is more accessible than one for a helicopter or plane because
of the regulations controlling autogyro craft. In the United States
and soon in Europe the infrastructure is in place for
‘digital freeways' that provide a safe corridor using GPS
technology to aid regulation and avoid collisions for low flying
vehicles.
What makes the PALV attractive, says Spark, is the convenience
of fully integrated door to door transportation. Providing smooth
transition from road to air without having to change vehicle. The
versatility to allow the driver to change their mind.
Such flexibility and independence would appeal to business and
recreational users alike. Its capacity to reach destinations
inaccessible by road combined with ability to fly low means that
the PALV has potential applications from first aid/search &
rescue to surveying and observation. Or simply offers a new
personal experience.
John Bakker, a Dutch entrepreneur working closely with Spark
design engineering and other partners, is developing the PALV. The
concept was inspired by living in one of the most world's most
densely populated countries.
Private jet ownership is becoming more popular in affluent
society. With further investment this hybrid prototype can pave the
way for an affordable and feasible alternative. Soon private flying
will no longer be the exclusive domain of executives and
celebrities. If congestion or obstacles block the destination
– fly. If the weather is too bad to fly – drive.
Driving and flying combined in one vehicle that could cost little
more than an executive saloon car.
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