The proposed car has a set of wings that may be stacked on top of the car. The size of the wings are such that they do not protrude beyond the length and breadth of the car. As a result, it may be driven on roads like any other regular car. But in the flight mode, the wings are extended vertically in order to provide lift to the car. One key feature of the stackable wings is that the lower surface of each wing is capable of being deformed to fit more snuggly against the upper profile of the wing below it. As a result, the wings may be stacked together while occupying less space. Once the wings are deployed for flight, the lower suface of each wing is altered to be aerodynamic, thus aiding flight.
Patent Information
Publication number: US 9216814
Patent Title: Stackable wing for an aerocar
Publication type: Grant
Application number: US 14/194,795
Publication date: 22 Dec 2015
Filing date: 02 Mar 2014
Inventors: Umesh N. Gandhi; Robert W. Roe;
Original Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.