The PAL-V One is a hybrid of a car, a motorbike and a gyroplane: a personal air and land vehicle. A solution to increasing congestion in our cities, highways and skyways.
On the ground, the slim line, aerodynamic 3-wheel vehicle has the comfort of a car, but the agility of a motorbike, thanks to its patented cutting-edge ‘tilting’ system. The single rotor and propeller are folded away until the PAL-V One is ready to fly. Airborne, the PAL-V One flies usually below 4,000 feet (1,200 m) MSL.
This airspace is in most countries available for uncontrolled VFR (Visual Flight Rules) flights, so there will be no interference with commercial traffic. The PAL-V One is highly fuel-efficient and powered by a state of the art aircraft certified engine. It runs on petrol like a conventional car and can reach speeds of up to 185 km/h (125 mph) both on land and in the air.
Its straightforward gyroplane flying technology means that the PAL-V One is economically and technically a rational form of air travel. Like a helicopter, it has a Very Short Take Off and Vertical Landing (VSTOVL) capability making it possible to land practically anywhere.
It can be driven to the nearest airfield or helipad and, if not using controlled airspace, can take off without filing a flight plan. The gyroplane technology means that it can be steered and landed safely even if the engine fails because the rotor keeps autorotating.
Of course the PAL-V has to descent and land immediately in this case, but as it can land on a proverbial “postage stamp”, in most cases, this will not cause any problem. Lift is generated by the rotor and the forward speed needed for autorotation is produced by the foldable pusher propeller.
It is much quieter than a helicopter due to the slower rotation of the main rotor. A license to fly the PAL-V One is easier to obtain than for a helicopter.
In the United States and soon in Europe the infrastructure is in place for 'digital freeways' that provide easy and safe corridors using GPS technology to aid regulation and prevent collisions for low flying vehicles. What makes the PAL-V One attractive is the convenience of fully integrated door to door transportation, providing smooth transition from road to air without having to change vehicle.
Performance |
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Road |
Flight (at MTOW) |
Max. speed: > 180 km/h (125 mph) |
Max. speed (Vne): 97 kts (185 km/h, 127 mph) |
0 – 100 km/h (0-60 mph): < 8 sec |
Cruise speed (65% power) (Vcruise): 80 kts (150 km/h, 93 mph) |
Max. tilt angle: 30° |
Min. Speed (Vmin): 27 kts (50 km/h, 31 mph)* |
Est. fuel economy: 16 km/litre (38 mpg) |
Max. rate of climb: >4 m/s (800 ft/min) |
Range: >800 km (500 miles) |
Take-off distance (clear 15 m/35 ft obstacle): 180 m (600 ft) |
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Landing distance (clear 15 m/35 ft obstacle): 120 m (400 ft) |
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Range: 245 NM (450 km, 280 miles) |
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Endurance: 3.5 hr |
*) Actually the minimum air speed is 0, but 50 km/h (27 kts) is the minimum airspeed where level flight can be sustained.
Reachable locations within 0,5 to 2 hours cruise range (150 km/h) with the PAL-V (no wind) from the Paris area*
(*Aerodrome Meaux-Esbly - LFPE)
