Aerocar

Aerocar is a company founded by engineer Moulton Taylor 1948 company that is engaged in the development, and once with the production of flying cars.

History

In February 1948, the engineer Moulton Taylor founded his business under the name Aerocar Incorporated in Longview, Washington at the local airport Kelso - Longview Regional Airport (now the Southwest Washington Regional Airport, ICAO code: KKLS ). The airport is also known under the name of Molt Taylor Field.

Already in 1949 the model " Aerocar Model I" had tested its first flight and was extensively, but only six copies were completed. The development of the " Model II Aero Plane" was stopped and began work on the " Aerocar III ". This model should go into production, but the certification regulations were tightened a short time before in the seventies in the USA. After that, Taylor devoted time being seaplanes, such as those available as a kit Aerocar COOT. In the 21st century with the " Aerocar 2000 '( Based on a Lotus Elise ) was further made ​​where Taylor had ceased.

Models

Model I

The prototype of the "Model I" was completed in October 1949 and followed shortly by its first flight out. An improved pre-series in 1956 received FAA certification, after which four more "Model I" were built. These six aircraft flew 5,000 flight hours together and laid 320,000 kilometers back on the road. Even today, two of these models are active and occasionally in the air. A model with the N102D air vehicle registration serial number 2 was offered to the Internet auction site eBay for U.S. $ 3.5 million to purchase in 2008.

The "Model I" was when it was driven on the road, disassembled and moved here the wings and the tail area as a trailer behind the actual car. The cell was made ​​of aluminum, and the body was made ​​of fiberglass. It even had a security system that the engine ( Lycoming O -320 a ) blocked as long as the wings and tail were not attached securely. The FAA approval was granted on 20 February 1962, the number 4A16.

Model II

The "Model II" also called " aero -plane ", a version was in was waived on the road driving ability in favor of improved flight performance. The folding wings and the drive of the model I have been retained by eliminating road driving components were two additional passengers are carried. The first flight took place in February 1960, but mass production did not take place in this model.

Model III

The "Model III " flew in June 1968 for the first time and proved to be user- friendly and simple vehicle for 2 people. It was considered safe and was considered ready for production. However, as with the previous models, a series production did not materialize. The final out for the Aerocar production came by tightening admission requirements beginning of the 1970s in the United States.

Aerocar COOT

The " Aerocar COOT " was a seaplane that landed not on floats, but on the belly. It was able to move on the water and fly in the air like a boat. Thus, it can be also seen as the amphibious vehicle. The first time it flew in 1971. Sold it has often been in the kit.

Aerocar 2000

The " Aerocar 2000 " is a based on the Lotus Elise, flying prototype. Flight to the Lotus is placed a new " top ", in which the wings as well as the motor are incorporated ( Lotus Esprit ).