Like any major auto exposition, the New York Auto Show hosted some flights of fancy, the most literal of which is the Milner Motors AirCar. This four-door design study is the handiwork of alternative-transportation specialists Milner Motors, and the company has plans to develop the AirCar for possible production. ( WCF )
The notion of a flying car has been around for years, of course, and the AirCar is a modern take on the concept. The long, airplane-like body - or should we say fuselage? - features a folding wing and tail set that enable it to be driven on the road, and retractable front canard. The front wheels extend on A-arm suspension components, while the rears are retractable. Milner Motors says that the AirCar has the same footprint as a Honda Civic, but it looks quite a bit larger in person. The narrow 54" cabin will hold four passengers and features a flat-panel instrument panel display for air or ground.
The prototype is an unfinished design study that lacks a powertrain, complete interior or even working flaps on the wings, but Milner Motors says it hopes to power this vehicle with a pair of propellers or ducted fans producing 300 horsepower, with a separate 40-horse powertrain for on the ground travel. A 200-mph air cruising speed and a 1000-mile range are projected, as is a $450,000 price.
There are no production plans at this point; the company hasn't even flown a prototype yet. For all of you who occasionally wonder when the flying cars of 1950s science fiction will appear however, be advised that the dream is still alive!