Video: BlackFly “flying car” launched

The BlackFly has joined the race to market a “flying car”.

Canadian company Opener has revealed its BlackFly single-seat electric vertical take-off and land (VTOL) aircraft.

Interestingly, one of Opener’s supporters is Google co-founder Larry Page who is also involved in Kitty Hawk, which is developing a “flying taxi” under Zephyr Airworks in Canterbury, New Zealand.

Other companies working on personal aerial vehicles (PAVs) include Uber, Volvo, Toyota and Airbus.

Opener says BlackFly is simple to master and requires no formal licensing (in the USA) or special skills to operate safely.

It is amphibious but is mainly designed to easily operate from small grassy areas and travel up to 40km at around 100km/h (USA restriction).

“Opener is re-energising the art of flight with a safe and affordable flying vehicle that can free its operators from the everyday restrictions of ground transportation,” Opener chief executive officer Marcus Leng says.

He says pricing will be “competitive” and BlackFly operators will be required to successfully complete the FAA Private Pilot written examination and also complete company-mandated vehicle familiarisation and operator training.”

After nine years in development, BlackFly has eight propulsion systems spread across two wings, and provides for multiple-failure security. The company aims to use networks powered by renewable energy sources.

Opener vehicles will be displayed at the 2018 EAA AirVenture Convention in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, from July 23-29.

The BlackFly is capable of super charging in under 30 minutes, has an automatic “return-to-home” button, a ballistic parachute option and is reported to likely be around the price of an SUV.

It could be on sale next year.