More 'Manned Multi-Copter' Than Flying Car, Final Configuration Remains To Be Seen

A major player in the Google/Alphabet world, Larry Page, has entered the aviation arena with a personal flying machine that is supposed to operate in the 'ultralight' category.

Called the 'Kitty Hawk Flyer' -- the new ultralight air vehicle is a new, all-electric aircraft.

Page's effort claims the aircraft to be "safe, tested and legal to operate in the United States in uncongested areas under the Ultralight category of FAA regulations. We’ve designed our first version specifically to fly over water. You don’t need a pilot’s license and you’ll learn to fly it in minutes. We publicly revealed the working prototype in April 2017. The official Flyer will be available by the end of the year."

While video and photos of the vehicle reveal a multi-copter-like configuration, the final configuration is promised to be significantly different than seen in the public unveiling of this flying prototype.

While many media pundits are claiming that this is the next iteration of 'flying car' to hit the market, the Kitty Hawk Flyer is meant to be operated over fresh water and 'may be flown in uncongested areas of the US' -- which will certainly limit the utility of this version of the vehicle... though the mission statement suggests that this may be the first of a generation of airborne transports. "Our mission is to make the dream of personal flight a reality. We believe when everyone has access to personal flight, a new, limitless world of opportunity will open up to them. At Kitty Hawk, we engineer, design and build safe, fun, easy-to-fly aircraft."

The company claims to have vehicles ready by the end of the year, but for those looking to get in line, Kitty hawk offers a rather unusual membership plan to entice support. Enthusiasts are being encouraged to pay $100 to sign up for a $2,000 discount on the retail price of a Flyer so that they may also gain, “...exclusive access to Kitty Hawk experiences and demonstrations where a select few will get the chance to ride the Flyer.”

More info to follow...

FMI: www.kittyhawk.aero