Key Points:
- A Chinese firm acquired the technology behind AirCar, a flying car developed and tested in Europe that can transition from car to aircraft in just over two minutes.
- Hebei Jianxin Flying Car Technology Company secures exclusive rights to manufacture and use AirCar aircraft in China.
- China demonstrates interest in flying transport solutions, with successful test flights of passenger drones and electric flying taxis.
- Despite their potential to revolutionize transportation, challenges remain in infrastructure, regulation, and public acceptance of flying cars.
A Chinese firm has acquired the technology behind a revolutionary flying car, originally developed and test-flown in Europe, signaling a new chapter in the evolution of transportation. The AirCar, powered by a BMW engine and conventional fuel, made headlines in 2021 when it completed a 35-minute flight between two Slovakian airports, seamlessly transitioning from car to aircraft in just over two minutes using traditional runways for take-off and landing.
Hebei Jianxin Flying Car Technology Company, based in Cangzhou, has secured exclusive rights to manufacture and utilize AirCar aircraft within a specified region in China. The acquisition follows the firm’s establishment of an airport and flight school, building upon a previous acquisition from a Slovak aircraft manufacturer.
China’s interest in flying transport solutions mirrors its pioneering role in the electric vehicle (EV) revolution. Last month, Autoflight conducted a successful test flight of a passenger-carrying drone, completing a journey between Shenzhen and Zhuhai in just 20 minutes. Similarly, eHang received a safety certificate 2023 for its electric flying taxi, indicating China’s commitment to exploring innovative mobility solutions.
Unlike vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) passenger aircraft, such as drones, AirCar requires a traditional runway for operation. Despite its groundbreaking capabilities, challenges remain in terms of infrastructure, regulation, and public acceptance.
The sale of AirCar’s technology to a Chinese firm underscores China’s potential to lead in the development of flying cars, much like its dominance in the electric vehicle market. Aviation consultant Steve Wright highlights the need for a regulatory framework to address the unique challenges posed by this emerging mode of transport, suggesting that China’s proactive approach may position it as a frontrunner in this space.
While prototypes like AirCar capture the imagination, the reality of flying cars may involve logistical considerations such as queues and security checks. Nonetheless, the acquisition signals a significant step towards realizing the vision of personalized aerial transportation.
