INDIAN ARMED FORCES CHIEFS ON OUR RELENTLESS AND FOCUSED PUBLISHING EFFORTS
SP Guide Publications puts forth a well compiled articulation of issues, pursuits and accomplishments of the Indian Army, over the years
"Over the past 60 years, the growth of SP Guide Publications has mirrored the rising stature of Indian Navy. Its well-researched and informative magazines on Defence and Aerospace sector have served to shape an educated opinion of our military personnel, policy makers and the public alike. I wish SP's Publication team continued success, fair winds and following seas in all future endeavour!"
Since, its inception in 1964, SP Guide Publications has consistently demonstrated commitment to high-quality journalism in the aerospace and defence sectors, earning a well-deserved reputation as Asia's largest media house in this domain. I wish SP Guide Publications continued success in its pursuit of excellence.
- Indian Air Force Aims for Full Indigenous Inventory by 2047 — Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh
- Rajnath Singh assumes charge as Defence Minister for the second consecutive term
- Interim Defence Budget 2024-25 — An Analysis
- Union Defence budget 2024
- Prime Minister Modi Flies in the LCA Tejas
- New Chapter in India-Italy Defence Ties
- Airpower beyond Boundaries
Drive & Fly
Flying car makes successful maiden flight
The Dutch company PAL-V Europe NV has successfully concluded test flights of its flying car, personal air and land vehicle (PAL-V). Several test flights were conducted at the Gilze Rijen Airport (The Netherlands). The patented vehicle flies in the air like a gyrocopter with lift generated by an auto-rotating rotor and forward speed produced by a foldable push propeller on the back. On the road it drives like a sports car. No new infrastructure is required because it uses existing roads and airstrips.
A team of top engineers has been working on the first prototypes since finalisation of the design concept in 2008. Renowned institutes such as the Dutch National Aerospace Laboratory and Delft University have also been involved in the development. The driving prototype was fully tested in 2009 and now the flying-driving prototype has made its first flights. The PAL-V complies with existing regulations in all major markets, which means that the vehicle is allowed both in road traffic and in the air.
A PAL-V offers the choice of flying like a plane or driving like a car. This means fast door-to-door mobility for private individuals as well as professionals and organisations. The flying range will be between 350 (220 miles) and 500 km (315 miles), depending on the type, payload and wind conditions. Driving, a PAL-V will have a range of about 1,200 km (750 miles). It runs on gasoline like a conventional car and there will also be versions that use biodiesel or bio-ethanol. It can reach speeds of up to 180 km/h (110 miles/h) both on land and in the air.
Technical Specifications
- Capacity: 2 persons
- Mass Empty: 680 kg
- Mass Max. gross: 910 kg
- Max. Power: 170 kW (230 hp)
- Dimensions Road: (LxWxH): 4.0 x 1.6 x 1.6 m
Road Performance
- Max. speed: 180 km/h (112mph)
- 0 - 100 km/h (0 - 60 mph): 8 sec
- Est. Fuel Economy: 12 km/l (28mpg)
- Range: 1200 km (750 miles)
Flight Performance
- Max. Speed (VNE): 97 kts (180 km/h)
- Min. Speed for Level Flight: 27 kts (50 km/h)
- Take-off Roll: 165 m (540 ft)
- Landing Roll: 30 m (100 ft)
- Est Fuel Economy: 36 l/h (9,5 gph)
- Range: 350-500 km (220-315 miles) depending on PAL-V type
SP's Aviation - Current Issue
