The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) Point Mugu, CA has entered into a CRADA with Roadable Aircraft International, Inc. (RAI) for the development of a flying car. RAI is developing a roadable Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) vehicle. The vehicle prototypes under development will allow vertical take off and flight with out a transition period from driving to flying. Testing capabilities at Point Mugu facilities will be used during the development of the prototypes including flight testing and engineering.
RAI's Flying Cars are VTOL rotor-wing type vehicles and do not need any assembling time when switching from ground to air mode. The company states they are combining what has been proven before with today's technology in design, control technology, material and with modern engines. Today, advances in computer technology and material engineering have turned the potential of FLYING CARS into reality.
The Navy is interested in these vehicles and RAI is working closely with the Navy to be responsive to military applications needs. These vehicles will look and drive like cars and fly like helicopters. In addition to the Navy CRADA, RAI has formed strategic alliances by partnering with Weststart/Calstart, an advanced transportation technology consortium, a cooperative partnership of private companies, organizations and public agencies. Weststart strives to turn environmental transportation challenges into economic and business opportunities. RAI occupies an incubator space in the Weststart environment.
RAI believes the time and environment are right for the acceptance of flying cars that will have varied applications - personal transportation, military, emergency response, police surveillance, air shuttles, etc...
Contact: Dr. Mike Sullivan (805) 989-9208