moller m400 skycar - wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Skycar M400

Role Flying car (aircraft)

Manufacturer Moller International

Designer Paul Moller

Status Under development

Unit cost US$500,000 (estimated)[1]

Moller Skycar M400

A poster advertising the Skycar

Moller M400 SkycarFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Moller Skycar is a prototype personal VTOL

(vertical take-off and landing) aircraft a "flying car"

invented by Paul Moller who has been attempting to

develop such vehicles for fifty years.

[2]

Contents

1 Description

2 Operation

3 Rotapower engines

4 Variants

5 Specifications (M400X Skycar)6 Criticism

7 Pre-sales

8 SEC complaint

9 Popular culture

10 See also

11 References

12 External links

Description

The craft said to be currently under development, the M400, is

purported to ultimately transport four people; single-seat up to six-

seat variations are also planned.[3] It is described as a car since it is

aimed at being a popular means of transport for anyone who can

drive, incorporating automated flight controls, with the driver only

inputting direction and speed required.

The Skycar demonstrated limited tethered flight capability in 2003 by

hovering only.[4] No subsequent testing has occurred, although public

demonstrations have been announced and then cancelled.[5]

Moller International's website claims that $100 Million has been spent

in R & D at Moller International.[6]

Operation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Skycar_poster.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Skycar_poster.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Skycar_poster.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Skycar_poster.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Skycar_poster.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Skycar_poster.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Skycar_poster.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Skycar_poster.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Skycar_poster.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Skycar_poster.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Moller_Skycar_M400.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#External_linkshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#Referenceshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#Popular_culturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#Specifications_.28M400X_Skycar.29http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#Operationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#Descriptionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Mollerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prototypehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VTOLhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_note-6http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_note-5http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_note-4http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transporthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_note-3http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#External_linkshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#Referenceshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#See_alsohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#Popular_culturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#SEC_complainthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#Pre-saleshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#Criticismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#Specifications_.28M400X_Skycar.29http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#Variantshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#Rotapower_engineshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#Operationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#Descriptionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_note-2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Mollerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_car_(aircraft)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aircrafthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VTOLhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prototypehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Skycar_poster.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Moller_Skycar_M400.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_note-Bates-1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Mollerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Moller_International&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_car_(aircraft)


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A Skycar is not piloted like a traditional fixed wing airplane, and has only two hand-operated controls, which

the pilot uses to inform the computer control system of her or his desired flight maneuvers. [7] The Skycar's

ducted fans deflect air vertically for takeoff and horizontally for forward flight. The ducted fans also encase the

propellers, which prevents bystanders from being exposed to moving blades as well as improving aerodynamic

efficiency at low speeds.

Rotapower engines

The engines to be used are being developed by a separate Moller company called Freedom Motors.[8] They

are Wankel engines they call "Rotapower" which have a direct drive to a propulsion fan. [9][10] Each fan is

contained in Kevlar-lined housings with intake screens to provide protection to bystanders.[9] The Skycar has

four engine nacelles, each with two computer-controlled Rotapower engines. All eight engines operate

independently and, allegedly, will allow for a vertical controlled landing should any one fail.[9]

The Rotapower Wankel engine would have the ability to operate on any fuel.[10] Earlier Rotapower models

used gasoline.

Variants

Moller M150 Skycar

The initial single seat technology demonstrator, incorporating the fuselage of a Bede BD-5 with two of

Mollers ducted fan propulsor units.

Moller M400 Skycar

The proposed production version powered by four Moller propulsors incorporating Rotapower 500

wankel rotary engines

Moller M600 SkycarProposed further development of the Skycar series

Specifications (M400X Skycar)

Data from[11]

General characteristics

Crew: 1

Capacity: 3

Length: 19 ft 6 in (5.9 m)

Wingspan: 8 ft 6 in (2.6 m)

Height: 7 ft 6 in (2.3 m)

Empty weight: 2,400 lb (1,088 kg)

Powerplant: 4 Rotapower 500 Wankel rotary engines, 180 hp (134 kW) each

Performance

Maximum speed: 330 mph (531 km/h)Cruise speed: 305 mph (491 km/h)

Service ceiling: 36,000 ft (10,973 m)

Rate of climb: 4,800 ft/min (24.38 m/s)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_note-specs-11http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rotapower_500&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasolinehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_note-rotapower-10http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_note-volantor-9http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_note-volantor-9http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevlarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_note-rotapower-10http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_note-volantor-9http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wankel_enginehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_note-8http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ducted_fanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_note-7


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Criticism

The only flight demonstrations have been hover tests performed in 2003 by a Skycar prototype that for

insurance reasons was tethered to a crane.[12] The ongoing failure of the Moller company to actually fly an

M400 led theNational Postto characterize the Skycar as a 'failure', and to describe the Moller company as

"no longer believable enough to gain investors".[13]

Pre-sales

In October 2006, Moller attempted to auction the only prototype of its M400 model on eBay. It failed to sell.

The highest bid was $3,000,100; Moller reported at the annual meeting of stockholders on October 21, 2006 in

Davis, California, that the reserve price had been $3,500,000.[14] A previous attempt in 2003 to sell the M400

via eBay was also unsuccessful.[15]

SEC complaint

In 2003, the Securities and Exchange Commission sued Moller for civil fraud (Securities And Exchange

Commission v. Moller International, Inc., and Paul S. Moller, Defendants) in connection with the sale of

unregistered stock, and for making unsubstantiated claims about the performance of the Skycar. Moller settled

this lawsuit by agreeing to a permanent injunction and paying $50,000.[16] In the words of the SEC complaint,

"As of late 2002, MI's approximately 40 years' [sic] of development has resulted in a prototype Skycar capable

of hovering about fifteen feet above the ground."[16]

Popular culture

In 1999, the Skycar was featured inAtlantis Foundby Clive Cussler, being flown by the novel's protagonists

Dirk Pitt and Al Giordino. It was also featured in the 2010 made for TV family movie The Jensen Projectwith

LeVar Burton and Kellie Martin.[17]

See also

Bell X-22A

M200G Volantor

Moller M200X

References

1. ^ "What a way to fly! Avoid the traffic with a Skycar" (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-

1088843/What-way-fly-Avoid-traffic-Skycar.html).Daily Mail Online. November 24, 2008. Retrieved 2010-

03-02.

2. ^ Paul Moller and his flying car (http://www.downside.com/scams/moller/)

3. ^ Interview with Paul Moller about future cars

(http://www.networkperformancedaily.com/2007/08/just_too_cool_interview_podcas.html) (August 3, 2007)4. ^ Skycar tethered test (http://www.simonwhatley.co.uk/moller-skycar)

5. ^ [1] (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/moller-international-inc-postpones-first-manned-untethered-flight-

of-the-m400x-moller-skycarr-2011-09-27)

6. ^ option=com_content&view=article&id=78&Itemid=93#4.2 M400 Skycar FAQ - Moller International

htt ://www.moller.com/index. h ?
http://www.moller.com/index.php?http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_ref-6http://www.marketwatch.com/story/moller-international-inc-postpones-first-manned-untethered-flight-of-the-m400x-moller-skycarr-2011-09-27http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_ref-5http://www.simonwhatley.co.uk/moller-skycarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_ref-4http://www.networkperformancedaily.com/2007/08/just_too_cool_interview_podcas.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_ref-3http://www.downside.com/scams/moller/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_ref-2http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1088843/What-way-fly-Avoid-traffic-Skycar.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_ref-Bates_1-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M200Xhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M200G_Volantorhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_X-22http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_note-17http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kellie_Martinhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeVar_Burtonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Jensen_Projecthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clive_Cusslerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantis_Foundhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_note-seccase-16http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sichttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_note-seccase-16http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Securities_and_Exchange_Commissionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_note-15http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_note-14http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EBayhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_note-13http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Posthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_note-12


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. . .

7. ^ Operation (http://www.moller.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53&Itemid=61)

8. ^ Freedom Motors (http://www.freedom-motors.com/)

9. ^ abc "The Skycar Volantor" (http://www.moller.com/images/pdf/TXposter.pdf) (PDF). Moller International.

January 14, 2010. Retrieved 2010-03-03.

10. ^ ab Rotapower Engine Technology (http://www.moller.com/index.php?

option=com_content&view=article&id=61&Itemid=72)

11. ^ "M400X Skycar Specs" (http://www.moller.com/index.php?

option=com_content&view=article&id=50&Itemid=58). Moller International. 2010. Retrieved 2010-03-03.

12. ^ Test (http://www.moller.com/test.htm)

13. ^ Grainger, David; "Flying cars"; National Post, April 11, 2009 (http://www.nationalpost.com/cars/story.html?

id=1486209,)

14. ^ "eBay Watch: Moller M400X Skycar prototype" (http://www.motorauthority.com/news/concept-cars/ebay-

watch-moller-m400x-skycar-prototype/) from MotorAuthority.com

15. ^ "The Skycar: Transportation of the Future"

(http://www.moller.com/files/DEC2006CAMPInSightMollerreprint.pdf) from official Moller website (PDF file)

16. ^ ab Securities And Exchange Commission v. Moller International, Inc., and Paul S. Moller, Defendants

(http://www.sec.gov/litigation/litreleases/lr17987.htm) from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

website

17. ^ "Moller International Skycar to be Featured in NBCs The Jensen Project"(http://www.moller.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=149:the-jensen-

project&catid=35:moller-news). Moller.

External links

Moller International (http://www.moller.com/)

Skycar Africa (Pty) Ltd., the South African agent to Moller International (http://www.skycar.co.za/)

Moller Discojet brochure from 1974 (http://www.downside.com/scams/moller)

"Seven Flights of Fancy that Fizzled" - MSNBC (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3475918)Gizmag (http://www.gizmag.com/go/1378/1/)

Davis California Wiki (http://daviswiki.org/Moller_International)

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Moller_M400_Skycar&oldid=556765585"

Categories: VTOL aircraft Roadable aircraft Ducted fan-powered aircraft

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http://www.moller.com/index.php?http://www.wikimediafoundation.org/http://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Privacy_policyhttp://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Terms_of_Usehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Text_of_Creative_Commons_Attribution-ShareAlike_3.0_Unported_Licensehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Categorieshttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Moller_M400_Skycar&oldid=556765585http://daviswiki.org/Moller_Internationalhttp://www.gizmag.com/go/1378/1/http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3475918http://www.downside.com/scams/mollerhttp://www.skycar.co.za/http://www.moller.com/http://www.moller.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=149:the-jensen-project&catid=35:moller-newshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_ref-17http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Securities_and_Exchange_Commissionhttp://www.sec.gov/litigation/litreleases/lr17987.htmhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_ref-seccase_16-1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_ref-seccase_16-0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portable_Document_Formathttp://www.moller.com/files/DEC2006CAMPInSightMollerreprint.pdfhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_ref-15http://www.motorauthority.com/news/concept-cars/ebay-watch-moller-m400x-skycar-prototype/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_ref-14http://www.nationalpost.com/cars/story.html?id=1486209,http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_ref-13http://www.moller.com/test.htmhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_ref-12http://www.moller.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50&Itemid=58http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_ref-specs_11-0http://www.moller.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=61&Itemid=72http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_ref-rotapower_10-1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_ref-rotapower_10-0http://www.moller.com/images/pdf/TXposter.pdfhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_ref-volantor_9-2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_ref-volantor_9-1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_ref-volantor_9-0http://www.freedom-motors.com/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_ref-8http://www.moller.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53&Itemid=61http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moller_M400_Skycar#cite_ref-7http://www.moller.com/index.php?http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Ducted_fan-powered_aircrafthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Roadable_aircrafthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:VTOL_aircraft

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