OT - Now this is just cool...

[Old Ironsights]

A practical Flying Car! (0-60 in 3.9 seconds on the ground (only 40mph in the air though...)

Developed for MISSIONARY WORK!

http://www.eaavideo.org/video.aspx?v=635469588001

The flying car in this video was invented by the son of Nate Saint, a missionary pilot from Missionary Aviation Fellowship, killed in Ecuador about 50 years ago. Nate Saint's dad was a stained glass church window artist who lived in Fox Chase, just outside Philadelphia in the 1940s and 1950s. Now the grandson, who was adopted by the natives who killed his dad, has invented a flying automobile for possible use in missionary fields around the world.

[olyinaz]

It's certainly interesting and I suspect that the price will be manageable, but the airspeed is a huge shortcoming.

Thanks for the link.

Oly

[Old Ironsights]

It's certainly interesting and I suspect that the price will be manageable, but the airspeed is a huge shortcoming.

Thanks for the link.

Oly

Remember the design specs though... 40mph airspeed over rugged/no road terrain is 1000% better than the pack-trail alternative. And with its dune-buggy body, it's certainly got all of the "off road" bases covered where a helicopter simply couldn't... and does it for a fraction of the price with none of the FAA training.

[Rifleman336]

My gosh is this a rifle site or a aviation board? In the past few days I've seen some of the coolest plane vids.

It's funny a guy I bumped into at a camping store (whom I've never knew in my life) and saw my 2 Meter (Ham Radio) transmitter and he struck up a conversation. In just a couple minutes talking about Ham Radio he said he figured out that 85% + of Amateur radio operators love radios, FLYING, and FIREARMS. I was in my mid twentys I was active in the Civil Air Patrol and I had just bought my first 1911 Handgun a couple days before. And this guy had me "pegged" without mentioning the other two subjects!!!

Any how love the aviation Vids, it's fun for a change of pace.

[Blaine]

I learn the bestest stuff here.....

[Rusty]

If you do a search on I-TEC you'll find a lot more information on Steve, the ministry, and the car/plane.

[J Miller]

That is cool! I wonder what they will cost?

Joe

[RIHMFIRE]

very cool ....

[Sixgun]

Very cool indeed--With a few modifications, it would make a great tool while elk hunting. Drop a 428 Hemi in that baby, bigger prop, rifle scabbard, cooler, ash tray, and by Lordy, you would be good-to-go --------------Sixgun

[stew71]

It's certainly interesting and I suspect that the price will be manageable, but the airspeed is a huge shortcoming.

Thanks for the link.

Oly

Remember the design specs though... 40mph airspeed over rugged/no road terrain is 1000% better than the pack-trail alternative. And with its dune-buggy body, it's certainly got all of the "off road" bases covered where a helicopter simply couldn't... and does it for a fraction of the price with none of the FAA training.

Bingo. I'll take a 40mph airspeed limit any day if it meant I could take a straight line between point A and point B and avoid traffic and terrain features. Just stick to Class D, G, & E airspace and the FAA stays outta yer hair.

Although, I wonder what it's service ceiling is. Might be tough making it over the Sierra and Rockies. Tougher still to convince my wife I need one....

[piller]

Service ceiling would indeed be a factor when considering mountain ranges, but it probably would get you over or around a lot of nearly impassable terrain. 40 mph in the air versus 1 or 2 on the ground is relatively fast. Now, can the missionaries get the fuel and oil for it in some of the places where the locals have never heard the Word?

[FWiedner]

Needs a swivel-gun...

That'd bring 'em to Jeezis.

[AmBraCol]

Service ceiling would indeed be a factor when considering mountain ranges, but it probably would get you over or around a lot of nearly impassable terrain. 40 mph in the air versus 1 or 2 on the ground is relatively fast. Now, can the missionaries get the fuel and oil for it in some of the places where the locals have never heard the Word?

Down here in S. America fuel and oil are not a terrible big problem. Main issue is that some countries (Brazil and Colombia at least, probably more) have gone to "bio-enhanced" fuel which is death to rubber and aluminum in the fuel line. I'm not sure what the range or payload is for this vehicle but with some careful planning and appropriate stashes in strategic places you can extend range and have fuel on hand for emergencies. That's the way we did it in the sertão area of Brazil, stash fuel in places and renew it on future visits. I'd bring a new drum in the jeep with me each time and then run off the drum I left earlier, leaving the fresh fuel for future reference. This got us out of most jams, only had to send out for fuel one time and it was hauled in by a local transport company. It's all a matter of proper planning and strategy. This would have been a real boon way back when we were still working rural areas. Not so much now that we're in urban centers. But it would be a real help in areas where others are working, that's for sure.

[awp101]

Needs a swivel-gun...

That'd bring 'em to Jeezis.

"Whatever happens we have got,
The Maxim gun, and they have not".
-Hilaire Belloc

[olyinaz]

Remember the design specs though... 40mph airspeed over rugged/no road terrain is 1000% better than the pack-trail alternative. And with its dune-buggy body, it's certainly got all of the "off road" bases covered where a helicopter simply couldn't... and does it for a fraction of the price with none of the FAA training.

I'm not familiar with the winds in Africa or other places, but the problem with 40mph airspeed is that it would often result in 0 mph ground speed! At least where I'm from. Certainly it's a tool to be investigated and used where appropriate. No doubt about that and it will be a blessing to those who can put it to good work.

Cheers,
Oly

[chadbr]

I learn the bestest stuff here.....

DITTO!!

That is just plain cool. I think I'd trade my new F150 for that.