Photos: Drive and fly in the AirCar

Need to get to another city really fast? Just drive your car to the nearest airport, take off, land in your destination city and drive to where you want to go. That's the scenario envisioned by Milner Motors as it unveils a prototype of its AirCar, coupled with its ElectriCar, at the 2008 New York auto show.

The AirCar prototype won't fly you anywhere now, but you can drive it, and it could be your transportation of the future.

Credit: Milner Motors

This view from above the AirCar show a wing span of about 9 metres and two rotary engines. As a plane, the AirCar is expected to carry a maximum load of about 1,400 kilograms, cruise at 300 kilometres per hour, and have a range of 1,600 kilometres.

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The wings fold in order to transform the AirCar into a land vehicle.

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More folding, almost there.

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When completely folded, the rear wings span 2 metres wide. To ride on land, the AirCar is powered by two, 40-HP motors and is expected to reach a top speed of 128 kph.

Credit: Milner Motors

Here is a model of the AirCar.

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At the 2008 New York auto show, Milner is also unveiling the ElectriCar. This four-door, four-seater is also a one-of-a-kind prototype. It's 40-HP engine is expected to hit speeds of up to 140 kph. The expected battery life of the ElectriCar is about two hours and the electric-only cruising range will be about 160 kilometres before a petrol engine is needed to kick in.

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The wheels of the ElectriCar are outside the body to provide a quieter and more stable ride.

Plans for production of the ElectriCar are still up in the air. Milner says it could partner with a larger car company or possibly sell the ElectriCar as a kit.

Credit: Milner Motors

Here's the ground propulsion unit of the ElectriCar.

Credit: Milner Motors