New approach to the Flying Car
Just Gotta Have It Dept: I used to follow the Moller Skycar even though legions of people assured me it would not get off the ground. But a gal can dream, can't she?

Well, today I found an interesting new concept vehicle called the PALV, that combines a motorbike with a car shell and adds a gyrocopter to become the first "Autogyro." According to Gizmo.com, "On the ground, the slimline, aerodynamic 3-wheel vehicle is as comfortable as a luxury car, yet has the agility of a motorbike, thanks to its patented cutting-edge 'tilting' system. The single rotor and propeller are folded away until the PALV is ready to fly. Once airborne, the PALV flies under the 4,000 feet (1,500 m) floor of commercial air space.

"Unlike a helicopter, which offers VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing), the company claims the PALV has a 'Very Short Take Off and Vertical Landing (VSTOVL) capability', which means it does need a short take-off and landing strip. Accordingly, it can be driven to the nearest airfield or helipad and, because it flies below 4,000 feet, in many countries it can take off without filing a flight plan."

"The autogyro technology means that it can be steered and landed safely even if the engine fails as it descends vertically rather than nose-diving. Lift is generated by the forward speed produced by the foldable push propeller on the back. At less than 70 decibels it is much quieter than helicopters due to the slower rotating of the main rotor.

A licence to fly the PALV is more accessible than one for a helicopter or plane because of the regulations controlling autogyro craft."

No word on cost yet, but man, does this sound great or what?

--Gizmo's Article on the PALV
--The PALV Press Release and Specs

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