What happens if you cross a gyrocopter with a
car and a motorbike?
The PALV. A personal air and land vehicle. A solution to
increasing congestion in our cities, highways and skyways.
On the ground, the slim line, aerodynamic 3-wheel vehicle is as
comfortable as a luxury car. But has the agility of a motorbike,
thanks to its patented cutting-edge "tilting" system. The single
rotor and propeller are folded away until the PALV is ready to
fly.
Airborne, the PALV flies under the 4,000 feet (1,500 m) floor of
commercial air space. With land and air space reaching capacity,
this is some of the last free space.
The PALV is highly fuel-efficient and powered by an
environmentally certified car engine. It runs on petrol like a
conventional car and can reach speeds of up to 200 km/h both on
land and in the air.
Its straightforward autogyro flying technology means that the
PALV is economically and technically feasible in comparison to
other forms of air travel. Like a helicopter, it has a Very
Short Take Off and Vertical Landing (VSTOVL) capability making
it possible to land practically anywhere. It can be driven to
the nearest airfield or helipad and, because it flies below
4,000 feet, can take off without filing a flight plan. The
autogyro technology means that it can be steered and landed
safely even if the engine fails as it descends vertically rather
than nose-diving. Lift is generated by the forward speed
produced by the foldable push propeller on the back.
At less than 70 decibels it is much quieter than helicopters due
to the slower rotating of the main rotor. A licence to fly the
PALV is more accessible than one for a helicopter or plane
because of the regulations controlling autogyro craft. In the
United States and soon in Europe the infrastructure is in place
for "digital freeways" that provide a safe corridor using GPS
technology to aid regulation and avoid collisions for low flying
vehicles.
What makes the PALV attractive is the convenience of fully
integrated door to door transportation. Providing smooth
transition from road to air without having to change vehicle.
The versatility to allow the driver to change their mind.
Such flexibility and independence would appeal to business and
recreational users alike. Its capacity to reach destinations
inaccessible by road combined with ability to fly low means that
the PALV has potential applications from first aid/search &
rescue to surveying and observation. Or simply offers a new
personal experience.
John Bakker, a Dutch entrepreneur working closely with Spark
design engineering and other partners, is developing the PALV.
The concept was inspired by living in one of the most world's
most densely populated countries, with a can-do approach to
space issues.
Private jet ownership is becoming more popular in affluent
society. With further investment this hybrid prototype can pave
the way for an affordable and feasible alternative. Soon private
flying will no longer be the exclusive domain of executives and
celebrities. If congestion or obstacles block the destination -
fly. If the weather is too bad to fly - drive. Driving and
flying combined in one vehicle that could cost little more than
an executive saloon car.
Galvin Manufacturing Corporation introduced the
first car radio in 1930. It was named "Motorola" linking the ideas
of "motion" and "sound." Motorola later becomes the brand name for
all Galvin Manufacturing Corporation's products.
