If you’re in the market for a new vehicle but still can’t quite decide whether you want to make your morning commute by land or by air, PAL-V has some good news for you.
The Dutch flying car developer announced this week that the Liberty, its three-wheel gyrocopter, is now for sale, with first deliveries expected by the end of 2018.
The Liberty, which has been in development for more than 15 years and made its first flight in April 2012, features a unique Rotax engine-based dual-propulsion drivetrain. In drive mode, the propeller tucks into the rear of the vehicle and the rotors fold and store on top. PAL-V says the Liberty can reach 100 mph on the ground and can be switched between driving mode and flying mode in a matter of 5 to 10 minutes.
Once in flight mode, pilots must take off from an airstrip or airfield — not the road — in accordance with regulations. The Liberty has a takeoff roll of 590 feet and a maximum operating altitude of 11,480 feet.
The standard Liberty Sport model starts at $399,000. The Pioneer Edition, which comes with added options and is limited to 90 vehicles, costs $599,000. Both come with introductory training lessons and power heating, according to PAL-V’s website. Operators need a gyroplane pilot’s license to fly the vehicle.
