A CRADA between the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division at Point Mugu, CA, and Roadable Aircraft International, Inc. (RAI), was reported in the Spring 2001 issue of the Far West Bulletin.

This technology has now received a patent from the USPTO (6,457,670 B1).

This invention relates to a vehicle that can be driven on the road, and without the transition to mechanical wings, take off vertically, fly at aircraft altitudes to a destination, and then land at the destination. There is currently no practical means of driving and flying from congested cities to the suburbs or to business meetings. Helicopters cannot be used for street and highway based transportation, that is transport of individuals using city streets and highways. While great for flying to a particular destination, helicopters require the user to also have a car.

The flying vehicle comprising the present invention includes a pair of counter rotating propeller blades which are internal to the vehicle and which provide lift for the vehicle when the vehicle is in a flight mode of operation. The cruising altitude is from about 1,000 ft to about 20,000 ft.

Contact: Dr. Mike Sullivan
Phone: 805-989-9208
Email: sullivanme@navair.navy.mil

or view the citation on the FW website at: www.zyn.com/flcfw/fwpat/nvpm6457670.htm