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EXECUTIVE SKYCAR SUMMARY by Henry Lahore -1995, minor updates in 1998
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What is the M400 Skycar?
The first practical personal air vehicle - automobile-sized, carries up to 4 passengers.
Takes off and lands vertically from any small, flat area - no airport or heliport needed.
Takes you directly from where you are to where you want to go at speeds up to 350 mph, as far as 900 miles before refueling.
Flies over traffic, buildings, trees, mountains, water - at altitudes up to 30,000 feet.
Uses gasoline at 18 to 22 mpg, but is 10 times less polluting than the automobile
- can also use alternate fuels, such as liquid natural gas or hydrogen.Operates day and night even in difficult weather conditions.
Safer and quieter than light plane or helicopter - has potential to be safer than auto or commercial jet.
Easy to pilot now - later, with electronic piloting, anyone can fly it.
It combines the privacy, convenience and trip flexibility of the auto with the speed and range of the short-hop jet.
Why is it the solution for the next century?
For trips of 10 to 900 miles, the Skycar used in fleet operations should compete effectively as a passenger-carrying vehicle against the auto, bus, rail, ferry, and short-hop jet.
Unlike other light aircraft, the Skycar fits into a total transportation system that is easily implemented and represents a huge market opportunity worldwide - the air taxi.
Reduces fuel consumption and pollution while actually increasing personal mobility.
Requires far less infrastructure than auto, rail, or other aircraft - can be put into use in new areas almost immediately.
Does not require public subsidy - should be profit-making from the beginning.
Why is a Skycar possible now?
Only very recently has a moderate-cost engine been available that provides enough power for a given weight - Moller developed it.
Light, low-cost composites and electronics are now available.
Advances in electronics and software permit safe, easy operation.
What is its 1998 status?
The M400 will be flight tested soon - a previous model has successfully completed over 200 flights.
Engine manufacture will start in mid-1998.
The M400 is expected to be certified by the FAA by 2000.
Why invest in the M400 Skycar?
The M400 offers the opportunity to participate in a major transportation technology in the 21st century.
The M400 Skycar is a real and major solution - it may be the ONLY solution
- to urban traffic congestion and other transportation problems.The market potential is huge - over $10 billion/year.
Development of a personal VTOL is inevitable - the technology and need exist - Moller has it now, with no competition.
Moller's design, based on 25 years of experience, can't easily be replicated - it is protected by international patents.
If the Skycar fulfills its potential, US citizens alone will realize savings in the hundreds of billions of dollars per year from lower accident rates, less smog, increased job productivity, and reduced transportation costs.
Worldwide, the Skycar will open up new areas for economic development where surface transit is now limited or impossible
- especially countries with islands (e.g., Indonesia, Japan), mountains, jungles, tundra, and deserts.
What are the risks?
Developing the M400 as a major transportation vehicle will not be a standard, straightforward, business - it is complex at every stage, requiring world-class skills and resources.
Many potential passengers will need to overcome fear of flying in a new type of vehicle and eventually accept electronic piloting, both of which will take time and careful marketing.
Regulatory and liability issues must be dealt with.
Adequate resources must be put into electronics and software, for avionics and supporting infrastructure
- if not, the M400 won't fulfill its potential as a major transportation vehicle, but will be limited to use by licensed pilots.If undercapitalized, the Skycar developer will be vulnerable to sudden, large-scale competition.
Click here for Skycar overview, updated Feb 2001
Skycar is the principal VTOL planned for Skyaid saving of 100,000 lives per year