The PALV - a new vehicle to lead a revolution in personal transportation
The PALV - a new vehicle to lead a revolution in personal transportation
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.
