Skycar® 400
The Skycar® 400 is the 5th generation of VTOL aircraft developed by Dr. Paul Moller and is now in the “operational prototype” stage. The Skycar® combines the high-speed capabilities of a fixed wing aircraft with the vertical take-off and landing capabilities of a helicopter. Its ducted fans provide lift and propulsion without the dangers of exposed rotor blades and high maintenance costs of rotary-winged aircraft. The vehicle employs state-of-the-art fly-by-wire computer technology to monitor, control, and maintain stability of the aircraft, while simultaneously making it simple and easy to operate.
In the future, passengers will not be required to fly the aircraft, as the Skycar® will be an autonomous aircraft utilizing advanced onboard environment scanning and precise positioning systems, the highway-in-the-sky (HITS) and automated air traffic control in order to fly between destinations and avoid other air-traffic.
Skycar® 400 Targeted Performance
| VTOL Configuration | Four thrust-vectoring nacelles with two counter-rotating Rotapower® engines per nacelle. Hybrid design configurations are currently under development | |
| Passengers | 2+2 | |
| Emergency Airframe Parachutes | Yes | |
| Fuel Type | Ethanol | |
| Noise Level at 500ft (Goal) | 65 dBA | |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 21.5’ x 8.5’ x 7.5’ | |
| Operational ceiling | 36,000 ft | |
| Takeoff and landing area | 35 ft dia | |
| Max speed @sea-level | 331 mph | |
| Cruise Max speed @20,000 ft | 308 mph | |
| Rate of climb @sea-level | 4,800 fpm | |
| Endurance | 5.9 hours | |
| Disc loading | 140 lb/ft2 | |
| Range @ 131 mph (21.3 mpg) | 805 miles | |
| Net payload | 720 lbs | |
| Gross weight | 2,400 lbs | |
| Continuous Engine Power (Total) | 720 hp | |
| Maximum Lift/Drag | 12.5 |
