This gyrocopter/trike reminds me of the tiny jet Roger Moore fly’s in one of the old Bong flicks. The PAL-V is a three wheel motorcycle vehicles that can turn into a gyro copter for flight and will supposedly be available for purchase in 2009 at an undisclosed price.

I swear it reminds me a lot of a toy I had as a kid from that old M.A.S.K. cartoon as well. At any rate the vehicle is still in the concept stage and is intended to be comfortable for on-road travel like a three wheel motorcycle that leans into the turns.

When you get to the airport you can transform the trike into an auto gyro by unfolding the rear of the trike to turn it into a tail and the rotor blades unfurl from the top of the vehicle. It will supposedly be capable of climbing to 4000 feet and hit speeds of up to a bit over 124 mph. Unless the vehicle is lots lighter than it looks in these concept drawings I’m betting you will need a pilots license to fly it rather than it qualifying as an ultra light aircraft not requiring a pilots license. Story and image via OhGizmo!

by Shane McGlaun