14 DAY TRIAL // If it is true what they say that one of the key principles of sustainability is doing more with less, than it is safe to assume that the folks behind the Skylys flying car, i.e. the odd vehicle pictured above, really are on to something.
This futuristic traveling machine is basically a run-off-the-mill electric vehicle that, when circumstances demand for it, can turn into either a plane or a helicopter, Inhabitat informs.
Interestingly enough, its creators imagine that, sometime in the not-too-distant future, their Skylys flying cars will not only be used by a few chosen ones, but will be a common sight in urban areas.
The Skylys flying car would behave just like a regular electric vehicle while on the road. However, when in need to travel faster and avoid traffic, modular robotics systems would help drastically transform it.
The people behind this innovative flying car concept are confident that, given the right technologies and robotics systems, the Skylys will be able to take off and then get back on the ground without needing a runway.
“We have designed and now aim to build a drivable vehicle capable of vertical take off and landing (VTOL) when integrated to a set of wings. Think of it as a kind of transformer i.e. batman's car, helicopter, plane!”
“In detail we aim to create an urban dual-mode, hybrid flight and electric drive motorized vehicle that fits into sustainable mobility. The idea is to easily commute between airports or even from building to building, for example in Brasilia or Dubai,” the Skylys flying car's creators say.
The folks at Mix Aerospace say that their flying car could first be used by police officers, firefighters and the like in emergency situations. Still, they emphasize that, in time, chances are even your average Joe and Jane might come to own such a vehicle.
As appealing as the idea of flying around in an electric vehicle might sound, the fact remains that, for the time being at least, Mix Aerospace's flying car is just a concept. However, the people behind this project believe that they have what it takes to begin production sometime in 2018.
Hoping to raise the money needed to move forward with this initiative, Mix Aerospace has recently launched a fundraising campaign on Indiegogo. The campaign runs until this coming May 15 and aims to raise €2,250,000 ($3,112,880). Granted, the goal is fairly ambitious, but, with a little bit of help, Mix Aerospace might actually reach it.