Another means of transport is offered by the Skycar. For more
details, go to:
http://www.moller.com

Imagine this:

SPEED - AND NO MORE TRAFFIC JAMS:

From your garage to your destination, the M400 Skycar can cruise
comfortably at 350+ MPH.

Top speed @ 20,000 ft: 380 mph
Cruise speed @ 29,000 ft (80% Max Range): 300 mph
Cruise speed @ 29,000 ft (Max Range): 210 mph
Cruise speed @ Sea Level (Max Range): 140 mph

Imagine, a quiet travel to your destination, as far as 900 miles
away without having to refuel, with a net payload of up to 750 lbs.
No air pollution around you, no busy traffic, no red lights, no
speeding tickets, no roads, not being pressured by other cars! And
just imagine the views! You can fly as high as 30,000 feet. The
Skycar is pressurized and capable of travel at 29,000 feet
(Operational ceiling is 29,000 ft). The maximum rate of climb is
5500 fpm.

Just a quiet, scenic, direct transportation from point A to point B
in a fraction of the time it would take by car, by using the
mobility of three-dimensional space, rather than to remain stuck in
the immobility of a two-dimensional traffic jam on the streets.

WHAT DOES IT COST:

The M400 Skycar now sells for a price of approximately $500,000,
i.e. comparable to that of a four-passenger high performance
helicopter or airplane. As the volume of production increases
substantially, its price is expected to approach that of a quality
automobile ($60,000-$80,000).

The original twin 530cc, air-cooled engines have since been replaced
by twin 650cc, water-cooled engines, offering greater thrust. The
aircraft now gets about double the fuel economy of the previous
version. Installed engine power is 645 hp. A power boost (for
emergency) of 70% is possible.

Improvements are also due to its increased wing surface and better
lift-to-drag ratio. The Rotapower engine takes a variety of fuels -
thus making it affordable to operate regardless of the liquid fuels
available in your area.

Taking off does take a lot of fuel. Nevertheless, the engines burn
less fuel and they burn it more completely than car engines. The
Skycar can achieve a fuel consumption of 28 mpg (28 miles per
gallon). For destinations over 60 miles, flying the Skycar would be
less polluting than a car. The Skycar can also travel over ground,
be it only at speeds of up to 30-35 miles per hour. The Skycar does
not require special roads or airport landing strips. The Skycar can
also be adapted for water operation.

NOT RESTRICTED TO AIRPORTS:

The skycar can take off and land vertically, technically making it
possible to land and take off at many locations, without being
restricted to airports. It works like a helicopter, but less air is
moved on take-off and landing than with a comparable helicoptor, so
there's less noise. Noise level at 500 ft is 65 dba. There's no
gearbox, it's an easy, low maintenance plane.

Engine rotation (through approximately 45°) allows efficient
vertical thrust for vertical takeoff, landing and hovering. As
forward speed increases, engines rotate from their initial position
to horizontal.

Take-off and landing can technically take place on any stable
surface, such as pavement, grass or hard clay. The required take-off
and landing area is a mere 35 ft diameter. Imagine, your skycar
could take off and land in your own suburban backyard!

WEIGHT AND DIMENSIONS:

Gross weight of the Skycar is 2400 lbs. The folded wing version is
configured at 8 1/2 feet with the engines up, facilitating easy
storage. With dimensions (LxWxH) of 19.5' x 8.5' x 7.5', the Skycar
easily fits into a garage, a truck or a container.

POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS:

With the Segway, as discussed in the previous message today, the
Skycar constitutes another piece in the jigsaw puzzle that shows how
government in future will have less and less grip and control over
society.

It can be expected that planes such as the Skycar will be equipped
with sensors, GPS units, radar and other pieces of electronic
enabling a virtually pilotless flight, totally automated and many
times safer and more reliable than car travel.

Much of government's control hinges on control over public roads,
airports, licences, etc. If this becomes obsolete, it will become
harder for government to maintain its grip. Society as a whole will
change to reflect that, not just in regard to travel and transport,
but also in urban design, eating habits, etc.

This is definitely something to be discussed further. I do invite
all members to post a message with views on this topic.

Best regards,

MCS