So, they actually tried to make a flying car.

jayteecork · 30-05-2010 5:50am #1

Saw this on today's "did you know?" on wikipedia. Incredible. Makers wanted it in mass commercial use.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convair_Model_118

Manic Moran · 30-05-2010 6:48am

They built more Taylor Aerocars. Six. One still flies. Probably the most bizarre attempt was the Rotabuggy, which was basically a WWII jeep turned into a gyrocopter.

That said, the A-40 was pretty off-the-wall as well: Take a tank, strap wings to it. When it gets to where it's going, drop the wings and fight as normal.

They only tried it once. It actually did fly, but it caused so much drag it almost caused the bomber towing it to crash.

Moller in California has been working on his aircars for years, but hasn't quite made it work yet.

I'd give these guys the best chance of commercial success. Far more practical than earlier alternatives.
http://www.terrafugia.com/

$200k might seem a lot of money, but bear in mind a new Cessna 172 will set you back a cool quarter million. And when you get to where you're going, you still need to borrow a car. And at 100kts cruise burning only 5gph isn't bad at all. (C-172 will do about 8gph and 115kts)

NTM