For what it's worth . . .

Well, *I* thought it was interesting, anyway . . .
From: http://www.sparkdesign.nl/actueel/20...1013press.html

--
Jim Fisher

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

Rotterdam, 14 October 2004

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.

Jim Fisher wrote:

Well, *I* thought it was interesting, anyway . . .

I want one! Mommmmiiieee! I want one!!!

That'll give the New Jersey licensing people fits, though. No place for a front
license plate -- maybe one could argue it should be licensed as a motorcycle (other
tricycles are). That would be great for commuters.

George Patterson
If a man gets into a fight 3,000 miles away from home, he *had* to have
been looking for it.

Well, *I* thought it was interesting, anyway . . .
From: http://www.sparkdesign.nl/actueel/20...1013press.html

Ha! I can just imagine what the liability lawyers would do with a vehicle
like *that*...

The first time someone deployed the rotors and chopped up a pedestrian, the
manufacturer would be bankrupted.

(Which makes me kinda want one even more, perversely...)
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

On Thu, 28 Oct 2004 19:20:29 GMT, "G.R. Patterson III"
wrote:



Jim Fisher wrote:

Well, *I* thought it was interesting, anyway . . .

I want one! Mommmmiiieee! I want one!!!

It'd be fun but...

That'll give the New Jersey licensing people fits, though. No place for a front
license plate -- maybe one could argue it should be licensed as a motorcycle (other
tricycles are). That would be great for commuters.

If they think traffic is bad on the ground can you imagine even 10,000
thousand of the things flying around under 1200 feet AGL over some
major city and its suburbs?

It'd be raining parts.

Roger Halstead (K8RI & ARRL life member)
(N833R, S# CD-2 Worlds oldest Debonair)
www.rogerhalstead.com
George Patterson
If a man gets into a fight 3,000 miles away from home, he *had* to have
been looking for it.

Roger wrote:
On Thu, 28 Oct 2004 19:20:29 GMT, "G.R. Patterson III"
Jim Fisher wrote:

Well, *I* thought it was interesting, anyway . . .

I want one! Mommmmiiieee! I want one!!!

It'd be fun but...

That'll give the New Jersey licensing people fits, though. No place for a front
license plate -- maybe one could argue it should be licensed as a
motorcycle (other
tricycles are). That would be great for commuters.

If they think traffic is bad on the ground can you imagine even 10,000
thousand of the things flying around under 1200 feet AGL over some
major city and its suburbs?

It'd be raining parts.

Roger Halstead (K8RI & ARRL life member)

Wrong. Afterall, there's going to be a new law out of congress in
the US that will forbid any GA flights over cities of 1M or more...

(*snorfle*)

Yeah! But don't worry - the NJ and NY Transit Authority will still find
a way to make you pay a toll.
And also be mean SOBs when they make the mistake. Ha!

"Roger" wrote in message
...

It'd be raining parts.

Great! That'll keep maintenance costs down.