Paul,

I saw this aptera small car as one part of an flying machine.  It could
use a mass produced motorcycle engine and tranny, say 90cc. or 125cc.
This gives the car enough range and modest speeds up to 55 mph. thus
making it  practical to drive to the airfield and attach the airplane
part of the equation.   The airplane part could be powered by a rotary
engine and be scaled and designed for the  market / mission.

That means fat wing and relatively local flying or  taking advantage of
the driving pod shape, a long distance slippery canard pusher.   For
shorter take offs both power plants are used until wheels are off.

In the around town mode the driving module is compact and efficient and
doesn't risk damaging or putting wear on the aeronautical parts which
in my opinion are a literal drag to haul around.

At the home field, after the business trip the airplane module could be
folded and trailered home if you really must.  Personally I could never
see the justification of mechanically stressing my pride and joy by
towing it through the hostile territory of road bumps, pot holes, and
crazy drivers.


Doug in Japan.