Flying car 'Epiphany Transporter' has NASA-proven thrusters
In a breakthrough that could rival the futuristic fantasies of flying cars depicted in movies like "Blade Runner" and "Back to the Future," Applied eVTOL Concepts has unveiled the Epiphany™ Transporter.
The company claims to have combined personal mobility and the charm of Aladdin's Magic Carpet with cutting-edge VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) technology in a press release.
Unlike traditional aircraft with sprawling wings, this compact marvel boasts morphing, dual-mode, ducted thrusters that enable it to hover like a helicopter and achieve high-speed cruise flight akin to an airplane.
The brainchild of Michael Moshier, Founder, CEO, and Lead Designer of Applied eVTOL Concepts, and his collaborator Rob Bulaga, Chief Engineer and Senior Aerodynamicist, the Epiphany Transporter sets its sights on revolutionizing urban air mobility (UAM).
The thrusters, originally developed under a DARPA grant, have proved their mettle in over a quarter-century’s worth of testing and refinement, including testing in wind tunnels and manned prototype flights.
Moshier's confidence in their proprietary thrusters is unwavering: "We have every reason to believe in the ability of our proprietary, field-proven ducted thrusters, and leading-edge vehicle design, to perform in flight as expected."
From Stealth to Reality
At the heart of the Epiphany Transporter's appeal lies the remarkable features that make it a game-changer in the world of personal mobility. With a projected range of over 300 miles and a top speed of 160 mph, the Transporter promises swift and efficient travel.
The vehicle is capable of operating at an exceptionally quiet sound level of less than 55 decibels at a distance of 50 feet, making it a welcome addition to urban environments and adding to its allure. The interior accommodates two passengers, their luggage, and even golf clubs, promising a seamless travel experience.
One of the vehicle's standout attributes is its size, which is comparable to that of a Tesla Model S automobile. Thanks to its folding thrusters, the Epiphany Transporter can fit into a standard one-car garage, presenting a practical storage solution.
Rob Bulaga's computational fluid dynamics (CFD) computer model, honed over 25 years, accurately predicts thruster performance within a remarkable 2% margin, ensuring the vehicle's efficiency and safety.
Market Entry and the Road Ahead
Applied eVTOL Concepts' journey toward realizing the Epiphany Transporter has been one of unwavering dedication and collaboration. Moshier and Bulaga's partnership, reminiscent of the vehicle's "distributed" propulsion design, has been instrumental in bringing this innovation to life.
As the development-stage company moves closer to its goal, the company aims to accelerate the prototype-building, testing, and certification process, paving the way for the Epiphany Transporter's introduction to an eagerly awaiting global market.
In a world where flying cars have long been a symbol of the future, the Epiphany Transporter emerges as a tangible embodiment of that very future. As it hovers at the brink of reality, the magic of possibility is no longer confined to the silver screen— it is taking flight in the form of a visionary vehicle that could change the very way we move through our cities.