By Philip Butterworth-Hayes
Elon Musk has launched the two seat Tesla Roadster 2 flying car in a dramatic unveiling.
The car flies – and can be suspended upside down in the air – via a multi-mode suction system paired with cold-gas thrusters which the company calls a “multi-mode fan and ground sealing system…which acts as a downforce generator, pulling air out from beneath the vehicle. This provides enough suction to hold the vehicle upside down, even when stationary. Powered fans and active wings maximise traction and cornering speeds in all conditions, achieving massive downforce at zero speed.”
This does not, at first sight, allow for prolong flights, as with other flying car designs, however.
“A next-gen steer-by-wire system offers incredible feedback in various road conditions. Activate Track Mode to lower the car and transform the suspension. High downforce or low drag modes can then be used as needed on the track,” according to the company’s website. “Advanced cold-gas thrusters use all-electric actuators to offer precise thrust, completing micro adjustments within a fraction of a second. This helps stabilise the vehicle in flight.1”
“Ano White paint takes inspiration from aerospace techniques that provide UV and cryogenic protection when exposed to the harshness of space, plus electrostatic dissipation and corrosion resistance to protect rockets during pre-launch and recovery. Tinted glass windows are designed to mimic the copper coating that gives spacesuit visors their gold radiance. Subtle titanium accents further embody space-age design while accentuating the vehicle’s most unique features….First principles engineering, manual controls and a fixed seat position help reduce overall vehicle mass. With lightweight, high-strength materials throughout, including magnesium, titanium and carbon fibre, we are able to achieve even greater reductions. This allows Roadster to respond to driver inputs almost instantly during extra-dimensional driving.”
Production of the vehicle will start in 2028, according to Musk.
For more information
https://www.tesla.com/en_gb/roadster