Klein Vision AirCar Is Now Clear For Takeoff

Remember the Klein Vision AirCar? Yep, the flying car that went viral for its aerial pyrotechnics and perfectly executing long test flights? Well, it has now taken a big step in the right direction (read towards mass production) by securing the 'Certificate of Airworthiness' issued by the Slovak Transport Authority. 

It was no mean feat; the Klein Vision AirCar had to prove its creds by undergoing over 70 hours of air time, including various mid-air acrobatics and travelling cross country with 200 takeoffs and landings. 

A cool thing about this flying car is that it can double up as a proper road-going vehicle, and it takes less than three minutes to convert it into one. It is powered by a 140PS BMW 1.6-litre engine and is claimed to go up to 1,000km on a single charge. In fact, Klein Vision is working on a prototype that’ll get a more powerful 300PS engine, amongst other upgrades. With this, Klein Vision expects cruising speeds touching 300kmph (162 knots) and a range of over 1000km.

In earlier tests, the AirCar has flown at 8200ft and reached a maximum speed of 190kmph (103knots). The two-seater flying car tips the scales at 1,100kg, and it needs only a 300m stretch to take off.  

Sure, there’s still a long way to go before the Klein Vision AirCar becomes a reality, but this certification should definitely provide a fillip to its hopes of nearing mass production. That said, the Klein Vision AirCar ain’t the only cool flying car around; we’ve covered some other prototypes that can give it a run for its money.