Pegasus E flying car features large rotors and four small wheels, achieving a speed of 160 km/h in the air and 120 km/h on the road.
Pegasus E flying car tested in China. (Video: Pegasus)
The advanced air mobility service company from Australia, Pegasus, has relocated its headquarters and manufacturing facility to Las Vegas, marking its entry into the U.S. market, reported New Atlas on July 5. Pegasus has been developing flying cars since 2009 and has been progressively refining its design. The company is currently focusing on the Pegasus E flying car.
Pegasus E resembles a small single-seat helicopter with large rotors on top and an open-wheeled chassis underneath, utilizing carbon fiber connecting rods. The vehicle is equipped with a hybrid propulsion system (combining an electric motor and an internal combustion engine), with the combustion engine producing around 160 horsepower.
Despite having small wheels, Pegasus E can reach speeds of up to 120 km/h.
The Pegasus E has a dry weight of 265 kg. With a full 60-liter fuel tank, the vehicle can fly with a payload of 101 kg, achieving a maximum speed of 160 km/h and a maximum altitude of 1,800 meters. It has an operational time of 3 hours and a flight range of 420 km, significantly exceeding the capabilities of fully electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles.
On the road, despite its small wheels, the Pegasus E can also reach speeds of up to 120 km/h. Its compact size allows it to fit in standard garages and normal parking spaces, meeting several practical criteria.
The carbon fiber body of the Pegasus E features two upward-opening doors. The control system is neatly arranged, including three foot pedals for both flying and driving modes, a steering wheel for ground driving, and control sticks for flying.
Pegasus E flying car tested on the road. (Video: Pegasus)
Regarding safety features, the pilot can land the vehicle using the “autorotation” mechanism. Autorotation is an emergency procedure that allows a pilot to land a helicopter smoothly and in a controlled manner when the engine stops functioning. This mechanism involves a series of maneuvers and techniques to harness the stored energy from altitude, flight speed, and rotor speed to slow the descent and facilitate landing.
Pegasus has obtained flight certification from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Australia (CASA), allowing the Pegasus E to operate under current regulations. This certification will help the company quickly obtain a similar certification in the U.S. However, registering for road use appears to be more challenging due to regulations regarding headlights, taillights, turn signals, airbags, emissions levels, and many other rules.
Pegasus is seeking investment to increase its production from an expected 10 vehicles in 2025 to 900 vehicles per year by 2030. The company also aims to become the world’s leading flying car manufacturer.
