Unique Car-Copter from France

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 Hydrogen Powered Car-Helicopter Combo






                                Source:  MACA Flight

Straight Out of Star Wars & Off to the Races 

French startup MACA Flight, an Airbus startup, unveiled a fascinating hydrogen powered combination car and helicopter at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2022.  It is designed to be a flying race car.  Experts say that it is reminiscent of the flying podracers in the Star Wars movie series.  This is the world's second flying race car.  Australia's Alauda Aeronautics introduced the world's first - Airspeeder Mk3 - about a year ago and put it through its paces in the world's first electric flying drag race.

Carcopter

The new French MACA S11 is classified as a carcopter, VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing vehicle).  It is a zero-emissions, racing car concept built for speed, agility and sustainability.  What makes it unique is that it is hydrogen powered.  It is not powered by a conventional battery.  MACA S11 is a concept now. But the company says it will hit the market and take off from racetracks in 2023.  It is priced at just over $900,000.  

Tech Specs and Eco-Friendly

The S11's airframe is composed mostly of carbon fiber, flax fiber and wood composites that are 80% recyclable.  The weight of the 23-foot-long vehicle is just 1,322 pounds.  There are six rotors that provide lift and forward flight.  Each rotor is powered by its own 35-kW electric motor.  Top speed is 155 mph and it can operate for 35 minutes on a single charge. It is pilot flown with advanced avionics and built-in collision avoidance systems.  

Big Hydrogen Fuel Cell Advantages

Electricity to power the rotors comes from an onboard fuel cell fed by a hydrogen tank that can be refueled in minutes.  The same power setup in a similar vehicle would require a very weighty 150 to 200 kg lithium battery pack which would add significant additional weight and battery recharge time.  The S11 is a very promising and fascinating new form of travel, which likely will have crossover applications for the flying and driving public.

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