sciencetech-blog

comments

While the majority of designs for flying cars have looked a littley clunky, a pair of Californain designers have revealed a 'stealth' car that even Batman would be proud of.

Called the GF7, the matt black vehicle has folding wings to transform it from jet to car.

When in the air, a 3500-lb thrust jet engine can fly to 12,000 m and reach speeds of 550mph.

Called the GF7, the matt black vehicle has folding wings to transform it from jet to car. When in the air, a 3500-lb thrust jet engine can fly to 12,000 m and reach speeds of 550mph

The cabin of the GF7 seats four people, and uses and use a 3,500-lb thrust jet engine to fly to 38,000 ft (12,000 m) and speeds of 550 mph (885 km/h).

The concept was developed by Napa-based Greg Brown and Dave Fawcett, who admit the vehicle is probably four years away.

It is also expected to come with a price tag of between $3-5m.

The GF7 concept is powered by electric motors while on the ground, by an all-electric 50 kWh battery pack that is recharged by the jet engine during flight,

The anticipated road performance is 160 km/h top speed with a 0-100 km/h time of 7-12 seconds.

The wheels and tires will retract into the fuselage in flight for streamlining.

The delta wing span is 23 ft (7 m), while twin vertical tails support a wide horizontal stabilizer in the back are designed to keep the craft stable.

The cabin is designed to replicate a business jet, and can seat four

'The more we got into the systems the more we realized how complimentary they were,' Brown told Gizmag.

'You can save jet fuel by using the electric motor to drive to the runway and start the turbine engine when you need it.'

The developers say they expect their customers to be high-end businessmen.

'With a GF7 there is no need for travel coordinators, or a staff of pilots and drivers at the ready.

'You don't need to pay for airport services, a rental car, or aircraft tie-downs, which also means you can avoid busy airports.'

How it works: the craft can transform fro car to plane

Cutaway drawing showing the jet fuel and baggage storage area in the jet.