The question of what the name of a machine that flies is becoming more and more relevant with the development of technology. If 10 years ago flying cars seemed like science fiction from films like “Back to the Future” or “The Fifth Element,” today prototypes of such vehicles are already being tested, and some models are even certified for commercial use. But what is the correct name for these devices? And how are they different from airplanes, helicopters or drones?
In this article we will look at all types of flying cars, their official and colloquial names, principles of operation, as well as legal nuances of their operation in Russia. You will find out which models are already available for purchase, how much they cost, and when ordinary drivers will be able to fly such devices without special flight training. From classic ekranoplanes to futuristic concepts like eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) - we cover the topic from the technical, legal and practical sides.
1. Official names of flying cars: terminology and classification
From the perspective of aviation standards and legislation, a “machine that flies” can fall into several categories. Here are the main terms used by manufacturers and regulators:
- 🚁 Roadable Aircraft - a hybrid of a car and an airplane, capable of driving on roads and taking off. Examples: Terrafugia Transition, PAL-V Liberty.
- ✈️ Ekranoplan - a device that uses screen effect (air cushion over water or a flat surface). Popular in the military sphere, but there are also civilian models.
- 🛸 eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) — electric vehicles with vertical take-off/landing. Most often called "air taxis". Examples: Volocopter 2X, EHang 216.
- 🚗✈️ Flying Car - a colloquial term that combines all of the above types. Not used in legal documents.
It is important to understand that there is no single term — the choice of name depends on the design, takeoff method and intended purpose. For example, Terrafugia Transition officially certified by the FAA (US Federal Aviation Administration) as Light Sport Aircraft (light sport aircraft), although it looks like a car with folding wings.
In Russia, terminology is regulated Air Code of the Russian Federation and standards Rosaviatsia. Here flying cars are most often referred to as:
- 📜 Ultralight aircraft (ULA) — weight up to 495 kg, speed up to 220 km/h.
- 📜 Light multi-purpose aircraft (LMAV) — weight up to 2 tons, used for cargo transportation.
2. How flying cars work: technical principles
The design of a flying car depends on its type, but common elements can be identified:
| Component | Purpose | Implementation examples |
|---|---|---|
| Powerplant | Engine(s) for ground propulsion and flight | Hybrid engines (Terrafugia), electric motors (EHang) |
| Wings/lifting surfaces | Creating lift | Folding wings (PAL-V), rotors (Volocopter) |
| Transformation system | Switching between road/flight modes | Mechanical hinges, electric drives |
| Autopilot/control system | Stabilization and navigation | AI algorithms (Joby Aviation), duplicate joysticks |
One of the key differences between types of flying cars is takeoff method:
- 🛩️ Horizontal take-off (CTOL) - requires a runway (like an airplane). Example: Terrafugia TF-X.
- 🚁 Vertical take-off (VTOL) - like a helicopter, but without a tail rotor. Example: Lilium Jet.
- 🔄 Short take-off (STOL) - 100–200 meters is enough. Example: Icon A5 (amphibian).
If you see a flying car with open propellers (like a drone) is most likely an eVTOL. Devices with hidden screws (in the case) usually refer to airmobiles of the type PAL-V
3. TOP 5 real-life flying cars (2026)
Although mass production has not yet started, several models have already been certified or are close to it. Here is the current list:
-
Terrafugia Transition (USA)
First production airmobile to be certified by the FAA in 2020. Powered by gasoline, folding wings, maximum speed -
160 km/hin the air and105 km/hon the road. Price: from $400,000. -
PAL-V Liberty (Netherlands)
A hybrid of a car and a gyroplane (with a propeller on top). Passed road tests in the EU, certification is expected in 2026. Cost: ~€500,000.
-
EHang 216 (China)
Fully autonomous eVTOL for air taxis. Already used in Dubai and Guangzhou. Accommodates 2 passengers, range -
35 km. -
Joby Aviation S4 (USA)
Electric apparatus with 6 propellers. In 2026, it received permission for commercial transportation in the United States. Speed -
320 km/h. -
Klein Vision AirCar (Slovakia)
Gasoline engine prototype BMW, transforms from car to plane in 3 minutes. In 2022, he successfully completed an intercity flight.
Why are flying cars so expensive?
The main cost comes from certification (up to $100 million for one model), carbon composites for the body and redundant safety systems. For example, in EHang 216 16 independent motors are installed - failure of 6 of them will not lead to an accident.
4. Is it possible to legally fly such a machine in Russia?
In Russia, the operation of flying cars is regulated by several documents:
- 📄 Air Code of the Russian Federation (Article 32) - requires registration of any aircraft.
- 📄 Order of the Ministry of Transport No. 283 — rules for certification of ultra-light devices.
- 📄 Technical Regulations of the Customs Union 018/2011 — safety standards.
For 2026 in Russia no certified flying cars for private use. However, there are several ways to legally operate such devices:
Obtain a pilot's certificate for an ultralight aircraft (training ~6 months)|Register the aircraft with the Federal Air Transport Agency (as an experimental model)|Obtain permission to fly from the local air traffic control|Take out liability insurance (from 500 thousand rubles per year)|Observe restrictions on height (up to 150 m) and flight area-->
⚠️ Attention: Flights over cities in private flying cars in Russia prohibited without special permission from the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Federal Air Transport Agency. An exception is certified drones weighing up to 30 kg (registration in the Digital Sky system is required).
For comparison, in UAE and Singapore There are already pilot air taxi programs in place (e.g. Volocopter in Dubai), and in EU From 2023, eVTOL testing in urban environments is permitted. In Russia, similar initiatives are at the discussion stage - the first commercial routes are expected to appear no earlier than 2028–2030.
5. How much does a flying car cost and where can I buy it?
Prices for flying cars range from $50 000 for experimental prototypes up to $2–3 million for certified models. Here are the current proposals for 2026:
| Model | Price | Where to buy | Certification Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terrafugia Transition | $400 000–$500 000 | Official website (pre-order) | Certified in the USA (FAA) |
| PAL-V Liberty | €500 000–€600 000 | Dealers in the EU (Netherlands, Germany) | Expected in 2026 |
| Icon A5 (amphibian) | $250 000–$300 000 | Distributors in the USA and UAE | Certified as LSA |
| EHang 216 (for business) | $300 000+ | Direct sales from the manufacturer (China) | Certified in China and UAE |
There are no official dealers in Russia yet, but several companies offer:
- 🛒 Pre-order through foreign intermediaries (for example, AeroTime or AviaPro).
- 🔧 Self-assembly from sets (for example, Skycar SD-1 from a Russian company SkyWay).
- 📦 Purchasing used copies at auctions (for example, eBay or Controller).
⚠️ Attention: When importing a flying car into Russia, you will have to pay duty 20–30% from the cost, and also go through technical expertise of the Federal Air Transport Agency, which can take up to 12 months.
6. The future of flying cars: what to expect in the next 5 years?
According to forecasts McKinsey and Morgan Stanley, the flying car market will reach $1.5 trillion by 2040. Here are the key trends for 2026–2029:
- 📈 Mass eVTOL certification - expected by 2026 FAA and EASA 10–15 models for urban transportation will be approved.
- 🚖 Launch of air taxis — Volocopter and Joby Aviation they plan to launch regular flights in Paris, Los Angeles and Tokyo.
- 🔋 Battery breakthrough - companies QuantumScape and CATL working on batteries with density
500 Wh/kg, which will increase the flight range to500 km. - 🏙️ Vertiports in cities — by 2027, the first takeoff pads on the roofs of skyscrapers may appear in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Development is being held back in Russia lack of infrastructure and conservative legislation. However, in 2023 Rosaviatsia announced a pilot project to test drone taxis in Innopolis (Tatarstan) and Skolkovo. If the experiment is successful, the first commercial routes could appear by 2028.
The main barrier to the spread of flying cars is not technology, but regulatory framework. For example, in the USA for management Terrafugia Transition need both a driver's license and a flight license, which limits the circle of potential buyers.
7. Myths and reality: what to expect from flying cars?
There are many misconceptions associated with flying cars. Let's look at the most common ones:
Myth 1: “Flying cars will replace conventional cars by 2030.”
Reality: Estimated Boeing, even by 2040 eVTOLs will amount to no more
2–3%from public transport. They will be a niche solution for megacities.
Myth 2: “The flying car is as easy to control as a drone.”
Reality: Even with autopilot required at least 50 hours of flight practice (by standards FAA). In an emergency, you need to be able to land the device manually.
Myth 3: “Flying cars are more environmentally friendly than conventional ones.”
Reality: Electric eVTOLs do indeed emit no CO₂, but the production of their batteries requires 3 times more energythan for an electric vehicle.
Another popular question: “What about safety?” Statistics NTSB (USA) shows that on 1 million flight hours ultralight devices have 7–10 accidents (against 0,1–0,3 in commercial aviation). However, eVTOLs use multiple system redundancy (for example, 8–16 motors instead of one), which should reduce risks.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need a license to drive a flying car?
Yes, but not regular driver's licenses. Most countries (including Russia) require ultralight pilot certificate (training takes 6–12 months). A separate category of rights may be introduced for eVTOL, as for drones.
Is it possible to convert a regular car into a flying one?
Technically possible, but illegally. Any modifications that change the class of the vehicle must be certified in Rosaviatsia. There have been cases in history of homemade “flying Zhiguli”, but they all ended fines or confiscation.
How much does it cost to refuel/charge a flying car?
Depends on type:
- 🔋 Electrical (eVTOL): ~$10–$15 per 100 km (cheaper than gasoline, but batteries degrade after 1000 cycles).
- ⛽ Hybrid (gasoline/electric): ~$30–$50 per 100 km (consumption ~15–20 l/100 km in air).
What is the maximum speed of flying cars?
Records among certified models:
- Terrafugia Transition:
160 km/h(in the air). - Joby Aviation S4:
320 km/h. - Klein Vision AirCar:
190 km/h(on the way -160 km/h).
For comparison: the average speed of a helicopter is 240 km/h, and the plane - 800 km/h.
When will flying cars be available for sale?
Optimistic forecast:
- 📅 2026–2026: start of sales of certified air cars (for example, PAL-V Liberty).
- 📅 2027–2028: launch of air taxis in major cities (Moscow, Dubai, New York).
- 📅 2035+ year: possible price reduction to
$100 000–$150 000for basic models.