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Carplane Emerges in Europe

Carplane
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The Carplane, a new flying car prototype debuted in Germany, features a unique two-fuselage, high-wing design intended to improve ground drivability and allow compact storage.
  • It is designed to drive like a compact car at up to 110 mph and fly up to 120 knots, with wings and empennage folding neatly between the hulls for road mode.
  • The project, which began in 2008, is pursuing certification in Europe's Very Light Aircraft category and shows potential for market entry, though U.S. certification faces current regulatory hurdles.
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Another flying car prototype made its debut a couple of weeks ago at the Aero Friedrichshafen show in Germany. Rather than having one cabin, the unusual two-seat, high-wing design has two fuselages arranged side-by-side.

The designers from Braunschweig, Germany, claim the arrangement improves drivability on the ground, allowing the Carplane to drive as well as a compact car with a top speed on the ground of 110 mph. And while the vehicle has only one 151 hp PC850 engine, it drives both the propeller and rear wheels for takeoff, providing a shorter takeoff distance than with the propeller alone. Initial specs estimate that the aircraft will be able to get off the ground in less than 300 feet, climb at 1,150 fpm and fly as fast as 120 knots.

Pia Bergqvist

Pia Bergqvist joined FLYING in December 2010. A passionate aviator, Pia started flying in 1999 and quickly obtained her single- and multi-engine commercial, instrument and instructor ratings. After a decade of working in general aviation, Pia has accumulated almost 3,000 hours of flight time in nearly 40 different types of aircraft.

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