One of the most eye-catching exhibits at EBACE 2022 is the two Liberty flying cars being shown by PAL-V International (Booth IZ-02). In road mode, the Liberty has a top speed of 160 km/h on its 100-hp engine and a range of 1,315 km. Converted into a flying machine, it can reach up to 180 km/h with a range of up to 500 km with reserves.
Having first flown a prototype in 2012, PAL-V received full road certification for the design in 2020. Now the company is focusing on receiving EASA CS-27 small rotorcraft certification. Compliance demonstrations of elements are underway now, and when sufficient have been completed, a 150-flight hour flight verification campaign will begin, due for next year, with a number of vehicles. At the moment, PAL-V has one vehicle in the fully complete specification, but it cannot be used for certification as it was manufactured outside of the company’s production authority.
Airworthiness certification is set for late 2023, with deliveries to start in 2024. The company has a production facility ready to go, with an initial production rate capability of 100 vehicles per year. The facility has the capacity to grow considerably to meet demand.