PAL-V is using the Geneva Motor Show to introduce
what it is claiming to be the “world’s first flying car” in production guise.
Billed as a “historic breakthrough in the evolution
of flying cars,” the PAL-V Liberty is a three-wheeled vehicle which can be
transformed into a gyroplane / gyrocopter in about 5 to 10 minutes. The company
didn’t release detailed specifications but confirmed the model uses two Rotax
aircraft engines and has been designed to meet both vehicle and aircraft specifications
in Europe as well as the United States.
Following its unveiling in Geneva, the Liberty will
go through the last stage of the certification process which is compliance
demonstration. The company expects this will be completed in 2019 and the model
will then be fully certified.
The company’s flying car has been in development for
at least ten years as PAL-V created a proof of concept back in 2008. The model
underwent driving tests before starting flight testing in 2011.
The entry-level Liberty Sport is expected to cost US$ 399,000 and the company is accepting reservations for US$ 2,500. However,
customers who want to get a flying car as soon as possible will have to opt for
the Liberty Pioneer Edition which is expected to carry a base price of US$ 599,000. The model is slated to have exclusive exterior details as well as a
handcrafted interior with “premium level materials.”
