Jetsons-like Skycar makes Australian debut   added 3/22/01

Thursday 22 March 1:28 PM

Travelling to work like George Jetson could be only a few years away, according to the inventor of the revolutionary Skycar.

Dr Paul Moller unveiled his life's work at the Big Boys Toys exhibition in Sydney today.

The US inventor spent almost 40 years and close to $US200 million ($A406.09 million) developing the machine, a sort of flying car he described as "the mechanical version of the Hummingbird."

"I think it is reasonable to believe that 25 per cent of the population will be using the Skycar within 10 years, and that 90 per cent will be using it within 25 years," Dr Moller said.

He said the Skycar would offer twice the cruise speed of a light helicopter with a vertical take-off and landing capability.

Its rotary engines would run on standard automotive fuel and be less expensive to buy and run.

"Our purpose is to develop and put into use personal transport vehicles that are as safe, efficient, affordable and easy-to-use as automobiles ... not constrained by existing transportation networks," Dr Moller said.

He said while the Skycar had a strong appeal as a commuter vehicle, the first major user would be the US Military, which had already tested it in war-game simulations where it had proved successful.

There also had been significant interest from a number of other countries, including Australia.

"I believe a country the size of Australia could see the use of such a revolutionary transportation alternative for coastal patrol, police, fire, search and rescue, even express parcel delivery," he said.

He added there would be little conflict with existing airlines, because the Skycar would not fly above 8,000 metres at any time.

The Big Boys Toys exhibition opened today at Darling Harbour, and managing director Gary Kendall said he expected 60,000 people through the doors this weekend.

He said the show was "bigger and better" than last year, offering 15,000 square metres of "the stuff dreams are made of".

Two hundred companies will exhibit products ranging from multi-million dollar motor yachts and luxury boats, racing cars, performance and classic cars and motorcycles.

Aircraft, hovercraft and "get-up-and-go sporting equipment" will also be on display.