This content is not included in
your SAE MOBILUS subscription, or you are not logged in.
Design and Styling of an Advanced Flying Automobile
Annotation ability available
Sector:
Language:
English
Abstract
A manufacturable, marketable, and functional advanced flying automobile has been designed. Engineering aspects, human factors, sociological aspects, and esthetic styling aspects of the design are addressed. The design proposal features a full-sized vehicle to be in compliance with expected Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requirements for the year 2000. The vehicle is a 300 kw, front engine, rear drive vehicle with a 6-speed semi-automatic transaxle and a fully active suspension. The body structure is made from recyclable yet lightweight advanced composite materials. The design utilizes a short fuselage with a pusher prop and a moveable trim wing for stability. The vehicle is fully self-contained for flight and is designed to comply with expected Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) regulations.
Driver/vehicle interaction with the instruments, controls, seating and visibility are of paramount design importance. Mechanical systems including the drivetrain, suspension, wing, and stabilizer design are consistent with performance expectations for both high performance automobiles and general aviation aircraft.
Recommended Content
Technical Paper | History and Future of Flying Automobiles |
Technical Paper | Design Concepts and Market Opportunities for “Flying Automobiles” |
Technical Paper | Design Methodology and Infrastructures for Flying Automobiles |
Authors
Topic
Citation
Weiss, M., "Design and Styling of an Advanced Flying Automobile," SAE Technical Paper 932603, 1993, https://doi.org/10.4271/932603.Also In
References
- Bowers P. M. “Unconventional Aircraft” 207 216 TAB Books Blue Ridge Summit, PA 1990
- Taylor M. B. The Aerocar “Flying Automobile” SAE 740393 Business Aircraft Meeting Wichita, KS April 2-5, 1974
- Faulcomer T. P. “Convair” design and performance data
- Woron W. “Of Wings and Wheels” An Investigation of Flying Cars Smithsonian Museum literature
- Crow S. C. “Back to the Future of Personal Aviation” SAE 901990 Aerospace Technology Conference Long Beach, CA October 1-4, 1990
- Crow S. C. “Conceptual Design of a Starcar” SAE Technical Paper Series 911021 SAE International General, Corporate, and Regional Meeting April 1991
- Crow S. C. Manning F. Differential GPS Control of Starcar 2″ 10 N National Technical Meeting San Diego, CA January 27-29, 1992
- Fulton R. E. Jr. “Roadable Airplane” US Patent 2,430,869 November 18 1947
- Hall T. P. “Flying Automobile” US Patent 2,562,491 July 31 1951
- Taylor M. B. “Flying Automotive Vehicle Assembly” US Patent 2,767,939 October 23 1956
- Sarh B. “Telescopic Wing” US Patent 4,824,053 April 25 1989
- Sarh B. “Convertible Fixed Wing Aircraft” US Patent 4,881,700 November 21 1989
- US Department of Transportation “National Transportation Statistics” Annual Report July 1990
- Sarh B. “Design Concepts and Market Opportunities for Flying Automobiles” SAE 921570 Future Transportation Technology Meeting Costa Mesa, CA August 10-13, 1992