Yep, this sucker has been publicized like crazy, but simply doesn't have the flight part of the equation. If you look at the tests, it can hover fine, but only up to a point, where you would imagine the VTOL equivalent of ground effect would cut out. The engines are nearly throttled, and yet it can seem to go higher than about 40-50', ever. Even to clear treees and get *moving* in a forward direction, it would need twice that height. Their computer control seems a bit adventurous as well- the landing part of the VTOL is a bit rough. It simply doesn't seem doable with their setup now. And I don't really like the paint job.
What I will give them credit for is their marketing. The Skycar has appeared on many Discovery type programs, they have generated alot of interest, and they even have their own diecast models. They really have done a good job with pushing their hovercraft.
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I know my posts are sometimes exhausting but there are PICTURES in this one, if that helps at all. - Jaine Perotti [more] 
07-06-2006, 18:55
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