LaBiche FSC-1

Current development examples

The LaBiche Aerospace FSC-1 is a developmental prototype Flying Car and is an example of a practical flying car capable of utilizing today's automotive and aviation infrastructure to provide true "door-to-door" travel. The vehicle can be parked in any garage or parking space available for cars. The FSC-1 is the first known vehicle capable of automatic conversion from aircraft to car at the touch of a button. LaBiche has flown a 1/10th scale model, tested a 1/4 scale model and is now testing the FSC-1 prototype #1 (as of Oct 2007). Currently, the FSC-1 requires a pilot and driver's license to operate. However, upon approval from the FAA, development is underway for utilizing a new satellite-navigation "hands free" flight system to travel from airport to airport that will eliminate the need for a pilot's license. Numerous safety systems and fail safes are also employed on the FSC-1, such as a recovery parachute.

The "Flying Sports Car -1" FSC-1, developed & marketed by [http://www.labicheaerospace.com/ LaBiche Aerospace] under the name FSC-1, is a 5 seat, single engine, integrated style flying car. The LaBiche FSC-1 was introduced as a roadable aircraft (flying car) to fulfill the needs of a personal vehicle that is capable of "true" high-speed, "door-to-door" travel, utilizing current automotive and aviation infrastructure. The FSC-1 is the first known vehicle capable of fully automatic conversion from aircraft to car without the pilot leaving the cockpit. The entire conversion takes less than 30 seconds.

History

The Motivation

Development of the FSC-1 began in the late 1980's after Mitchell LaBiche, founder of LaBiche Aerospace, became stranded for several days due to foul weather while on a typical cross-country trip in a light aircraft. While only 60 miles away, the weather was clear. Yet there was no way to move the aircraft to the clear weather. This painful challenge stirred the designer to come up with a modern, flexible, and practical vehicle capable of true "door-to-door" travel.

Early Development

The idea of flying cars (or roadable aircraft) had long been known. However, initial work centered on VTOL vehicles. After several years of research, market analysis, and customer surveys, the requirements for the FSC-1 were developed.

Today

LaBiche Aerospace is now testing the full scale prototype #1 (as of Oct 2007). The vehicle is now on sale. [ [http://www.labicheaerospace.com/faq.htm http://www.labicheaerospace.com/faq.htm] ]

Model history

*2002 - First introduced
*2007 - Initial market sales

pecifications LaBiche FSC-1

*Official Model Designation - "LaBiche 460sc"(designates - 4 seats, 6.0 liter, super-charged engine)

Engine

* One mid-mounted, 450 hp (336 kW ) General Motors, LS-2, supercharged, V-8, all aluminum engine driving two sets of two bladed co-axial, counter-rotating propellers. The same engine also powers the rear wheel through a transaxle.

Aircraft Mode

*DIMENSIONS:
**Wing span: 33 ft 4 in (10.16 m)
**Length: 19 ft 0 in (5.79 m)
**Height: 7 ft 10 in (2.38 m)
*WEIGHTS:
**Empty equipped: 2,497 lb (1,135 kg)
**Max. takeoff: 3,800 lb (1,727 kg)
*PERFORMANCE:
**Max. speed: 261 knots (300 mph, 483 km/h)
**Cruising speed: 225 knots (260 mph, 416 km/h)
**Take off speed: 63 knots (73 mph, 117 km/h)
**Minimum landing speeds: 60 knots (70 mph, 111 km/h)
**Minimum landing distance: 455 feet (140 m)
**Take off distance: 476 feet (145 m) using patented "Rear-Wheel Powered Assist Takeoff"
**Take off distance (Norminal): 1231 feet (375 m)
**Initial climb: 2,438 ft/min (804 m/min)
**Service ceiling: 34,100 ft (10,400 m)
**Range: 845 nautical miles (1,565 km)

Car Mode

*DIMENSIONS:
**Width: 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)
**Length: 18 ft 2 in (5.79 m)
**Height: 4 ft 10 in (1.47 m)
*PERFORMANCE:
**Max. speed: 180 mph (156 knots, 290 km/h)

References

External links

* [http://www.labicheaerospace.com/ LaBiche Aerospace-Official FSC-1 website]
* [http://www.labiche.ws/ LaBiche Corporation]