Meet George Jetson
Moller International has announced that the M200G Volantor is entering production according to Sky News. Soon, you will be able to buy your very own flying saucer - or reasonable facsimile thereof. The flying disk will only go to about 9 feet, altitude-wise, but it will be a truly all-terrain vehicle. "Ruh-roh, Reorge!"
The M200G is the size of a small car and is designed to take off and land vertically.
Company founder Dr Paul Moller calls the craft "the ultimate off-road vehicle" as it is able to travel over any surface.
"It's not a hovercraft, although its operation is just as easy," said the aeronautical engineering boffin.
"You can speed over rocks, swampland, fences, or log-infested waterways with ease because you're not limited by the surface."
The flying saucer is designed to fly at an altitude of up to three metres, where it benefits from extra lift created by a cushion of air - known as ground effect.
This allows the M200G to glide over terrain at 50mph, powered by eight of the company's Rotapower rotary engines.
No arrangements have been made for training or licensing at this point. If this thing falls under FAA jurisdiction in the US, it is not likely to be a huge seller. The license requirements would likely limit the number of people willing to buy one if the price - about $90,000 - isn't off-putting enough.
Bonus: The Jetsons theme song.
Other Links to this Post
-
Public Secrets: from the files of the Irishspy — Friday, 3 August , 2007 @ 12:22 pm
