PAL-V, creator of the Liberty car which flies as a gyrocopter with rotors which unfold from its roof, has taken up tenancy at London Oxford Airport.

Headed by Sales Director Andy Wall, the Oxford office is also home to the UK’s first ‘fly drive’ simulator, bookable via appointment, where would-be purchasers can become familiar with the vehicle’s unique characteristics.

PAL-V (which stands for Personal Air and Land Vehicle) is an early mover in the Advanced Air Mobility world.

Working closely with EASA, PAL-V has been extracting data analysis, flight and drive tests and test data. Recently, the business, which employs over 120 people, started compliance demos to obtain its type certificate under EASA’s CS-27 status. Once this milestone has been reached it can start ramping up for customer deliveries.

Transition from road to air in six minutes

The PAL-V Liberty seats two people in a fully enclosed cockpit. It can transition between road and air transport modes inside six minutes with its rotors secured into the vehicle.

In drive mode, the Liberty has been designed for a max speed of around 160km/h and a max range of 1315km. In flight mode max cruise speed is 180 km/h with max range of 400 to 500 km (equivalent to three hours with 30 mins’ reserve fuel).

“London Oxford Airport offers PAL-V the space to grow as we commence our pre-launch activities. It is rich in the heart of the motoring industry and easily accessible to London. The team at the airport have been superb and very adaptable to our needs and there is great synergy with established tenant companies there,” Wall said.

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