Israeli Developing Airborne Car

Israel National News ^ | 18:24 Sep 28, '04 / 13 Tishrei 5765

[yonif]

An Israeli pilot, who is also an aeronautics engineer, has developed an aircraft called the X-Hawk that is able to land in places currently impossible for both helicopters and airplanes.

The Hebrew daily Yediot Aharonot reported that Dr. Raffi Yoeli established his Urban Aerodynamics company with the express purpose of creating his conceived aircraft. His invention, the X-Hawk, can take off and land vertically, but, unlike a helicopter, the X-Hawk does not have external propellers – which constitute the chief obstacle to close-proximity landing and hovering. The X-Hawk incorporates the propellers into the body of the aircraft.

Another feature of the innovative aircraft is that the X-Hawk has no wings. This, together with the lack of exposed propellers will enable the X-Hawk to get close to the windows of skyscrapers and fly low in populated areas without endangering either passengers of bystanders. It's appearance is that of a car.

The X-Hawk is causing excitement in law enforcement and rescue forces circles as it promises to revolutionize many existing methods. Some of the new prospects include enabling rescue from high-rise buildings and aerial police pursuit of ground targets. The X-Hawk is expected to be able to achieve a maximum speed of 125 mph and fly for up to an hour and a half strait (like most small helicopters).

The full-sized prototype is scheduled to be built in 2005, at which time Urban Aerodynamics will seek a license from the American Federal Aviation Administration. Officials at the company hope that in a few years the construction work on the plane will be completed, at which point it will be put to use. Urban Aerodynamics has built just one prototype of the new aircraft thus far, which has completed several manned test-flights successfully.

[pipecorp]

Rey reorge, ran i ry rith rou?

[danneskjold]

[tiamat]

I was JUST thinking "Jetsons"!

I want one!

[Rakkasan1]

can it carry the heft of a vulcan machine gun?

[MeanWestTexan]

In response, the paleostinians threw rocks.

[dc-zoo]

The design and appearance is awesome.

[Aardaerimus]

Wait! I thought someone already did this! Check out Moller's Skycar

[Dan Cooper]

From www.urbanaero.com

[Aardaerimus]

And here's a sketch of the X-Hawk:

[DTogo]

You mean, the Skywalkers were Jewish? :)

[dennisw]

There is nothing they cannot do or invent. No wonder the Muzzies are so spooked by the Jews.

[ALASKA]

"I got to get me one of these!!!!!"

[tiamat]

Check it out!

[lormand]

...wishing Israel would invent the balls to put Arafat out of our misery.

[GSlob]

Vulcan recoil would become major source of backward propulsion.

[Professional Engineer]

PING

[JesseHousman]

By golly that'll fool the islamic butchers!

[JRPerry]

Actually ... I saw a special on this not long ago. "Modern Marvels" perhaps - one of those educational channels. They did a mock rescue at a high rise that was en fuego ... pretty cool stuff. He actually already has one that flies - they interviewed him during the course of the show. Neat as heck but it is one LOUD little contraption. When those four little turbo props crank up it's about like being in the middle of the track with fifty or so NASCARs reving their engines around you. Bone rattling loud.

Anyway ... I may know where to find a picture or two. Let me look.

[Conservative4Ever]

Oh boy, Oh boy, Oh boy....we really get our own flying cars...we were promised everybody would have flying cars years ago.

Red