In a major advancement for aviation and automotive technology, KleinVision’s AirCar completed its maiden flight with a passenger, marking a significant milestone in Slovakia’s innovative hybrid vehicle development.
Renowned French electronic music composer Jean-Michel Jarre, aged 75, participated in this historic flight, showcasing the capabilities of the Slovakian-made AirCar.
Stefan Klein and co-founder Anton Zajac have been instrumental in pioneering this innovation, receiving flight approval for the AirCar in 2022 after demonstrating its prowess through over 200 successful takeoffs and landings. The vehicle had previously made headlines as the first flying car to complete an intercity flight.
The dual-mode prototype, weighing 2,000 pounds and featuring foldable wings and a propeller, can transition from a sports car to an aircraft within minutes. At Piestany international airport, Mr. Jarre completed two flights, impressing spectators with the AirCar’s performance.
Powered by a 1.6L BMW engine, the AirCar aims to transition to electric power in the future. During testing, it achieved speeds of up to 120 mph and altitudes of 8,000 feet.
“We are bridging the gap between the road and the sky, giving cars the freedom they symbolized 50 years ago,” said Mr. Zajac in an interview with Sky News, expressing optimism about the AirCar’s commercial availability within a year.
Looking ahead, Slovakia’s Future of Flight action plan envisions the incorporation of flying taxis by 2030, with the AirCar potentially leading this technological revolution.
Operating the AirCar will require a dual certification—a driver’s license and a pilot’s license—alongside a specialized flying course lasting two to three months.
Photo credit: Klein Vision
