Flying car buzzes traffic jams at 112mph

A new type of flying car promises motorists the chance to avoid traffic jams and cross lakes, rivers or mountain ranges like an eagle at speeds over 100mph.

It was with unfortunate timing that footage of the PAL-V ONE’s maiden flight was released on 1st April, because this remarkable vehicle is no joke.

In road going mode, the PAL-V ONE is a trike that leans into corners like a motorcycle. When the driver wants to fly, the flick of a switch deploys two rotor blades from its roof and a tail section to extend to the rear.

In flight, the vehicle is a gyrocopter, a type of aircraft that uses an unpowered rotor to develop lift, and an engine-powered propeller to push it forward through the air.

Although it is unable to take off vertically or hover in mid-air, the PAL-V ONE is far less complex, cheaper to run and easier to fly than a helicopter. There is no word yet on how much it will cost, but there is unlikely to be much change from £150,000.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “It is unlikely that commuters will use the PAL-V to beat rush hour jams, but it could provide a low-cost alternative to conventional aircraft for flying doctors in remote areas.”

Future flight: electric aircraft or personal jetpack