The PAL-V (Personal Air and Land Vehicle) in flight is an autogyro or gyrocopter designed by C. Klok (exterior design), with a pusher propeller at the rear of the fuselage providing forward thrust and a free-spinning rotor providing lift. Directional stability is provided by twin boom-mounted tailfins. It has a tricycle undercarriage with relatively large wheels.
On the ground, the propeller and rotor are stopped and power is diverted to the wheels, allowing it to travel as a three-wheeled car. Unusually, it leans into turns like a motorcycle, a solution pioneered by the Carver vehicle, also produced by a Dutch company. However, the PAL-V does not tilt as a Carver but like the BMW “Simple Concept” from 2009. The PAL-V ONE transforms into a gyrocopter within minutes as its rotor unfolds and its tail extends. Converting the PAL-V ONE from airplane to automobile takes about 10 minutes. The propeller folds itself automatically into the driving position. Pushing a button then lowers the rotor mast into the horizontal position. The same motion lowers the tail. The outer blades are folded over the inner blades via hinge mechanisms. And then driver/pilot has to push the tail into its driving position and secure the rotor blades.
The PAL-V One has two seats and a 160 kW flight certified gasoline engine, giving it a top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph) on land and in air, and a Maximum Takeoff Weight of 910 kg.
A prototype model was first test flown in March 2012 and the company was seeking funds to develop the type for production. Estimated unit price is around $300,000 in 2014.
Engine: 160 kW
Dimensions Road (LxWxH): 4.0 x 1.6 x 1.6 m
Empty weight: 1,499 lb (680 kg)
Gross weight: 2,006 lb (910 kg)
Maximum speed: 97 kn (112 mph; 180 km/h)
Minimum control speed: 27 kn (31 mph; 50 km/h)
Range inflight: 220-315 mile
Range on land: 750 mile
Takeoff dist: 165m (540 ft)
Landing roll: 30 m (100 ft)
Capacity: 2
