Thursday, June 21, 2018

Wonder What Happened To It...?

As far back as I can remember, we have been dreaming about flying cars. I know I was, for sure!

It seems that as far back as the 1940s, folks were working on and building their own version of a flying car. Here is the story from Listverse.

Jess Dixon’s Flying Auto



This flying car is almost a legend, and besides this photo and a brief mention of the vehicle in a newspaper clipping from Andalusia, Alabama, it might as well have not existed at all. According to the story, the photo above is of Jess Dixon; it was supposedly taken sometime around 1940. Although it’s considered a flying car by aviation history buffs, the machine is actually closer to a “roadable helicopter,” due to the two overhead blades spinning in opposite directions. In other words, it’s a gyrocopter that can also roll.

The Flying Auto was powered by a small forty-horsepower engine, and foot pedals controlled the tail vane on the back, allowing Mr. Dixon to turn in mid-air. It was also supposed to be able to reach speeds of up to one hundred miles per hour (160 kph), and was able to fly forwards, backwards, sideways, and hover. Not bad for a flying car that was never heard from again.

The thing that struck me right off the bat was the total lack of any kind of head gear...no helmet at all! Not a wise move, I'm thinking.

Coffee in the kitchen once more today!

9 comments:

linda m said...

For some reason that just doesn't look safe. I see no evidence of any safety equipment on either the man or the car. Think I'll wait awhile before I run out and buy one.

HermitJim said...

Hey Linda...
Just looking at it doesn't evoke a feeling of safety, does it? Think I have to pass aws well!
Thanks for stopping by this morning!

Mamahen said...

I agree with you and Linda! I don't think I would venture off the ground in that.Looks like all your rain is headed our way. We have flash flood warnings from now till Sat morning. We live on a hill so we are safe, but I have family n friends who will be affected.

HermitJim said...

Hey Mamahen...
One thing about it, doesn't look like we will be in danger of a drought any time soon! Stay dry, my friend!
Thanks for coming by this morning!

JO said...

I can see why we have never seen or heard of this again. But we have the self driving cars which are deadly to we have had a few of them here and I know other states also. I'll stick with my little Dodge sport truck so I can be pretty much be in control, at least with my driving.

We are heading for 107 today and no rain in sight.

HermitJim said...

Hey Jo...
I'd rather have self driving cars than flying cars. I won't use either one, I'm sure.
Thanks, dear, for dropping by today!

Ashley Nicole King said...

If something like that doesn't have room for a cigarette lighter or a cup holder, then, in the US, it just won't fly.

See what I did there?

gordy said...

It's not a gyro-copter. Otherwise, it would be propelled forward by a conventional pusher propeller. The blades appear to be directly connected to the blades, thus it's a helicopter. Pretty ingenious in my opinion, especially being 1940 vintage. Too bad the concept apparently never caught hold.

gordy said...

Correction: The blades are directly connected to the engine, thus it's a true helicopter.

Gordy Weigle