World’s First Flying Car All Set for 2020 Launch

Dutch company PAL-V International has launched the first commercially-available flying car at this year's Farnborough Air Show in England, with the first deliverables scheduled for 2020.

The two-seater flying car--which is more appropriately called a gyrocopter--has two separate engines, one for the road and one for flight. The road engine generates 99 hp, good enough for a top road speed of 160 kph. A tilting suspension and maximum weight (suggested) of one ton, the car looks plenty of fun to drive on a winding road.

In flight mode, the gyrocopter manages a top speed of 180 kph and a minimum 50 kph for level flight. It requires a 330-m takeoff distance and 15-m obstacle clearance, and a maximum operating altitude of 3,500 m.

"Once full certification is granted in 2020, we will hand over the keys of the PAL-V Liberty to our first customers," said PAL-V CEO Robert Dingemanse.

Boasting a full-leather interior, the PAL-V Liberty flyer comes in two trims: the limited edition Liberty Pioneer and standard model Liberty Sport. Drivers will be required to get a flight school license before they can pilot one of these vehicles.

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