Flying Cars: Soon a Reality?
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The idea of flying cars has always seemed like something out of a movie. Remember the flying DeLorean from Back to the Future? That was set in the "future" of 2015. But here we are, many years later, and still no flying cars in our skies.
However, flying cars might be closer than we think. The technology needed to build them already exists, says Xiaosong Du, an aerospace expert from Missouri University of Science and Technology.
How Would Flying Cars Work?
Flying cars wouldn’t look like regular cars. Instead, they’d be a mix of an airplane and a helicopter. Here’s how they might work:
- Vertical Takeoff: Like helicopters, these cars would lift straight up using rotating blades.
- Airplane Mode: Once in the air, wings would come out to help the car fly like a plane, reducing air resistance.
Another option is to use propellers on wings. At first, the wings would tilt upwards to lift the car. Once in the air, the wings would tilt flat, like a plane. “It’s like a Transformer,” says aerospace engineer Pat Anderson.
These flying cars might look more like military helicopters, such as the U.S. military’s V-22 Osprey, rather than the sleek flying cars in movies.
The Cost Problem
One big problem is the price. A U.S. company, Alef Aeronautics, plans to sell flying cars soon. But each car could cost around $300,000. That’s far too expensive for most people.
A cheaper option might be rideshare services, like Uber or Lyft, but for flying cars. These "flying Ubers" could be common in 10 to 20 years, Anderson predicts.
Challenges Ahead
Before flying cars become normal, there are hurdles to overcome:
- Safety Testing: Flying cars need to be tested many times to ensure they’re safe.
- Rules and Regulations: The U.S. government needs to create rules for flying cars. In 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) made progress by setting rules for air taxis.
- Battery Problems: Flying requires a lot of power, especially during takeoff. Current batteries can only power a flying car for 20–30 minutes. That’s not enough for long trips.
If a flying car runs out of battery, it won’t just stop—it will fall from the sky. Researchers are working to make batteries last longer and be more efficient.
The Future of Flying Cars
Flying cars may not be here yet, but they’re on the way. Whether you own one or call a flying Uber, the dream of soaring above traffic could soon come true.
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