Neither bird nor Superman: AirCar

PRAGUE (EFE).— The Slovak company Klein Vision, creator of the world's first certified flying car, plans to begin mass production of its AirCar model, a hybrid between a car and an airplane, in 2026.

Slovak engineer and entrepreneur Stefan Klein, creator of the AirCar, plans to begin production of the car at his facilities in Slovakia starting in 2026, with an eye toward the luxury market and air taxis.

“Realistically, only about four vehicles per month will be able to be produced from its base in Slovakia starting in the first quarter of 2026,” said Alex Henderson, a spokesperson for the company.

In September, the AirCar 2 prototype, which will serve as the basis for this series production, will fly for the first time and will serve as the company's experimental certification. Aircar 1 was certified in Slovakia in 2022.

“This will allow Klein Vision to produce a maximum of 100 units per year,” Henderson said.

The AirCar, which has already completed more than 170 hours of flight testing, including 500 takeoffs and landings, runs on regular gasoline and can carry two passengers at a cruising altitude of 5,500 meters. It reaches speeds of up to 250 kilometers per hour in the air after a runway takeoff that requires 300 meters.

“In car mode, the object generates aerodynamic downforce through the aileron and the pitch of the elevator, while in airplane mode, the entire surface generates lift,” the company's website describes.

Last year, Klein Vision closed a deal with a Chinese manufacturer, Hebei Jianxin Flying Car Technology, which has the rights to produce the car only in the Asian country.

"Chinese companies are not allowed to export abroad, so orders abroad will be handled directly by Klein Vision," said Anton Zajac, co-founder of AirCar.

With a starting price of 900,000 euros and engines of 280 or 340 horsepower, the AirCar is positioned as a luxury product for leisure travel and a potential solution for commercial taxis.