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Sunday, November 10, 2013

Slovakian Aeromobil 2.5 Roadable Aircraft Flies

No details on the flight test are provided in the links, but unless someone has done an impressive job of animation, the video in the second link confirms that a first flight is already in the books.  Interesting approach with the swing-wing design.  The video shows what appears to me a tailwheels-first liftoff, then a crab or sideslip to the left.  It could be an unintentional sideslip due to the side-by-side seating arrangement and essentially no nose to look over to judge which way the plane is pointing.  Pitch control appeared a bit sensitive, as the plane porpoised slightly after liftoff, possibly a result of the pilot's attempt to stay in ground effect initially.  Some dutch-roll also appeared to be exhibited, unless that was just the pilot trying to find the exact front and overcontrolling.  Better looking than the Terrafugia, but a long way from proving itself after only one flight.

http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/aeromobil-2-5-flying-car-prototype-makes-its-first-test-flight/

http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2013/10/24/slovakian-flying-car-makes-makes-short-test-flight/

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