VIDEO: The mini helicopter you can drive on the road

Las Vegas-based Pegasus Aerospace Corp is crowdfunding their flying car, Pegasus E, a helicopter-car hybrid (HeliCar) that combines petrol-powered flight with battery-powered driving.

From Superinnovators 21/06/24

Pegasus E flying car mocked up as a Police vehicle. Credit: Pegasus Aerospace Corp

Over a decade in the making, the single-seater flying car aims to differentiate itself from fully electric VTOLs by offering a flight time of up to three hours, reducing range anxiety.

The development journey began with a three-wheeler prototype in 2013 and transitioned to a four-wheeler with the pre-production model of Pegasus E in 2021.

According to the startup, Pegasus E boasts a top road speed of 120 km per hour and transitions from road to air in just three seconds.

Weighing 265 kg dry, the vehicle can be refuelled at regular gas stations and is capable of taking off and landing on various surfaces, including grass, gravel, and pavement.

In the air, it achieves a maximum speed of 160 km per hour, a cruising speed of 130 km per hour, and a range of 420 km.

While the company has released footage of the Pegasus E hovering and driving, they have yet to showcase the transition from driving to flying.

Airworthiness clearance has been obtained from Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), where the company originated, but the vehicle can only be driven on private roads.

Pegasus Aerospace Corp are currently seeking airworthiness certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the USA.

To date, the startup have secured 10 patents for its core technology and have applied for five more.

They have received 120 indicative orders for the Pegasus E, along with a sales contract for 10 units and deposits for two.

Pegasus E flying car in driving mode. Credit: Pegasus Aerospace Corp

This week, they launched an equity crowdfunding campaign on WeFunder to commercialise their innovation.

So far, 30 investors have pledged $128,910 towards a $300,000 goal, at an early-bird pre-money company valuation of $88 million.

Looking ahead, Pegasus Aerospace Corp plans to introduce a more luxurious “Air Ferrari” model and larger air taxis accommodating four to twelve seats, aimed at operating in 57 cities across the US.

The Pegasus E joins other true flying cars, Xpeng AeroHT, KleinVision’s AirCar (recently bought by China), and the Switchblade, all aiming to enable seamless flying and driving experiences.

NOTE: Capital at risk on WeFunder. This article is not financial advice.