[Reading Science] NASA-Approved 'I Am a Car' to Be Released

Performance Proven in 2002 Wind Tunnel Test
Commercialization Prospects for 'Duct-Type' Propeller Thruster

In futuristic SF movies, a "flying car" always appears. In reality, many people frustrated with congested city traffic hope for the advent of flying cars. However, due to various technical and economic limitations, it seems unlikely that they will appear soon. Yet, a private American company is attracting attention as a flying car equipped with a propulsion system certified by NASA is expected to be commercialized soon.

Epiphany Transporter, a U.S. company, recently announced that it plans to commercialize an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) flying car in the near future, according to space news outlet Space.com on the 18th (local time).

This flying car can fly at a top speed of 258 km/h and produces noise of about 55 decibels (dB) at an altitude of 15 meters. Considering that normal conversation generates about 60 dB and rainfall about 50 dB, it is relatively quiet.

The most important feature is the ducted propeller thrusters mounted front and rear on both sides of the fuselage, similar to wheels. These thrusters were proven to produce considerable thrust comparable to jet engines or helicopter rotors through wind tunnel tests and other practical validations conducted by NASA's Ames Research Center in 2002. The ducts also serve to protect the propellers themselves or the external environment. The designer of this flying car is also a co-author of the related NASA paper published in 2002. After 20 years of repeated experiments and improvements, they have finally moved toward practical use.

Michael Mosher, CEO and chief designer of the company, said, "With a propulsion system proven in the field and state-of-the-art airframe design, we believe it will perform excellent flights as expected." The flying car has two seats and a luggage compartment, and its size is comparable to Tesla's electric car Model S. It is said to fit perfectly in the garages commonly found in American homes.

However, premature optimism should be avoided. Space.com pointed out, "Even though the ducted thrusters of this flying car succeeded in NASA's wind tunnel tests, that does not mean it will soon be commercialized." It noted, "Many VTOL companies have been established and then closed, some involving NASA engineers." Nevertheless, the outlet reported, "Building based on verified designs is always a sound engineering practice," and "This flying car may eventually prove to be the 'real deal' in the future."