Türkiye’s AirCar flies into future: First crewed flights mark major milestone

Türkiye's first domestically developed flying car, AirCar, has officially begun crewed flights, marking a significant milestone in the nation's pursuit of cutting-edge transportation technology.

Built in the northwestern province of Kocaeli, renowned for its automotive and IT industries, the AirCar project has now entered the global arena, joining a select group of just five companies worldwide operating in this field, Caliber.Az reports citing Turkish media.

Eray Altunbozar, the creator of the AirCar and an electrical and electronics engineer, announced the commencement of crewed flights a month ago, bringing his vision to life after nearly seven years of work. “The Bosporus route in Istanbul is very suitable for AirCar.

Crossings from one side to the other can be made without needing to reach high altitudes. We can also provide service to the Princes' Islands. We aim to transport both cargo and people to hard-to-reach areas across Türkiye,” Altunbozar said in a recent interview with Ihlas News Agency (IHA).

The AirCar, which is a fully electric vehicle featuring autonomous systems, has two models: a single-seater and a two-seater. The company has been conducting test flights with the single-seater model, while crewed flights have now begun with the two-seater version.

“This model can carry approximately 200-220 kilograms, and we’re targeting a range of 50 kilometers (31 miles),” Altunbozar explained. Although the team has not yet tested the vehicle over longer distances, they plan to expand this in the near future.

A key feature of the AirCar is its electric propulsion system, chosen to increase its environmental sustainability. Altunbozar emphasized, "We could have used fuel-based systems, which would have increased our range to 150 kilometres per charge. However, battery technologies are advancing rapidly, and the world is shifting from fossil fuels to electric energy."

He expressed confidence that by the time the vehicle enters the market, battery technology will be even more advanced, making the fully electric system the right choice.

The AirCar project not only positions Türkiye as a potential leader in the flying car industry but also aims to address future transportation needs, including alleviating traffic congestion and providing a novel way to travel over short distances. As the regulatory landscape for flying cars continues to evolve globally, the AirCar project marks a bold step forward in the era of air mobility.

By Vafa Guliyeva