Design and Styling of an Advanced Flying Automobile 932603

A manufacturable, marketable, and functional advanced flying automobile has been designed. Engineering aspects, human factors, sociological aspects, and esthetic styling aspects of the design are addressed. The design proposal features a full-sized vehicle to be in compliance with expected Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requirements for the year 2000. The vehicle is a 300 kw, front engine, rear drive vehicle with a 6-speed semi-automatic transaxle and a fully active suspension. The body structure is made from recyclable yet lightweight advanced composite materials. The design utilizes a short fuselage with a pusher prop and a moveable trim wing for stability. The vehicle is fully self-contained for flight and is designed to comply with expected Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) regulations.

Driver/vehicle interaction with the instruments, controls, seating and visibility are of paramount design importance. Mechanical systems including the drivetrain, suspension, wing, and stabilizer design are consistent with performance expectations for both high performance automobiles and general aviation aircraft.