AeroMobil is skyrocketing closer to moving from its prototype flying car to its first consumer models in 2017.
After showcasing its third-generation prototype in October 2014, today at South by Southwest (SXSW), the company's CEO shared more about the company's plans to launch limited, pricey supercar models in 2017, and then a mass-produced "autonomous" version afterwards.
The dream of the flying car has continued in the minds of the cofounders since they lived in Czechoslovakia's communist government. While there is no Iron Curtain to block them in modern-day Slovak Republic, they continue to work towards developing a flying car for consumers.
However, CEO Vaculik perceives various roadblocks that still restrict today's land and air travelers. These issues include traffic jams, ineffective air travel, and travel destinations lacking infrastructure, according to Engadget.
Vaculik believes that flying cars will help to solve such modern problems. His vision is to "move traffic" to space that is 3D, rather than 2D.
The challenge of going from Point A to Point B will include various technical, regulatory, and fiscal issues. The most pressing matter is to develop a flying car that is lightweight yet durable.
In terms of money and legal issues, AeroMobil is getting solid monetary support from the EU (European Union). Also, 650-foot 9198 m) grass landing strips for the flying cars can be constructed alongside highways and gas stations.
The first commercial flying car units will be high-end "flying roadsters" for wealthy fans, classifying as two-seater light sport aircraft. Aero Mobil has only stated that the price will be over 200,000 Euros ($210,600), according to The Verge.
Next, the company's first mass-produced flying car will be a car-plane hybrid four-seater that will be included in a brand new regulatory class. One day flying cars might not just be the stuff of James Bond movies.