PAL-V

PAL-V (Personal Air and Land Vehicle) is a Dutch company who are developing a roadable aircraft, the PAL-V One.^[1]

The PAL-V in flight is an autogyro or gyrocopter, with a pusher propeller at the rear of the fuselage providing forward thrust and a free-spinning rotor providing lift. Directional stability is provided by twin boom-mounted tailfins.

It has a tricycle undercarriage with relatively large wheels.

On the ground, the propeller and rotor are stopped and power is diverted to the wheels, allowing it to travel as a three-wheeled car. Unusually, it leans into turns like a motorcycle, a solution pioneered by the Carver vehicle, also produced by a Dutch company.^[2][3] However, the PAL-V does not tilt as a Carver but like the BMW "Simple Concept" from 2009^{[not in citation given][4]}

The PAL-V One has two seats and a 160 kW flight certified gasoline engine, giving it a top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph) on land and in air, and a Maximum Takeoff Weight of 910 kg.^[5]

Operational History[edit]

A prototype model has been test flown in 2012.^[6] The company are seeking funds to develop the type for production.^[7] Estimated unit price is around $300,000.^[8]

Specifications[edit]

Data from GizMag^[5] and Pal-V.com^[9]

General characteristics

• Capacity: 2
• Empty weight: 1,499 lb (680 kg)
• Gross weight: 2,006 lb (910 kg)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 97 kn (112 mph; 180 km/h)
• Minimum control speed: 27 kn (31 mph; 50 km/h)220-315 mile range inflight, 750mile range on land.

References[edit]

1. ^ PAL-V website
2. ^ "PAL-V One: Future Fantasy Trike" Future Cars. 15 May 2010 (outdated specs). Quote: "PAL-V One incorporates the Dynamic Vehicle Control (DVC™) technology pioneered in the 3-wheeled Carver One"
3. ^ "Dutchmen invent plausible flying car" TopGear, 3 April 2012. Retrieved 4 April 2012. Quote: "PAL-V features the same Dynamic Vehicle Control system used on the Carver ONE"
4. ^ BMW video
5. ^ ^{a b} Quick, Darren. "PAL-V flying car makes successful first test flight" GizMag, 2 April 2012. Retrieved 4 April 2012.
6. ^ "Notable Roadable". Sport Aviation: 16. May 2012. 
7. ^ "Will sales of flying car take off?" BBC News, 2 April 2012. Retrieved 4 April 2012.
8. ^ Flying car makes maiden voyage (57 pictures) Washington Post, 3 April 2012. Retrieved 4 April 2012.
9. ^ "Pal-V One Target Specifications". Retrieved 4 April 2012. 

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