Moller M400 Volantor - Revision history

Red marquis at 18:08, 12 September 2008

2008-09-12T18:08:25Z

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	\| {{{Designer (lead designer if it was a team effort)}}}		\| {{{Designer (lead designer if it was a team effort)}}}
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	The '''Moller M400 Volantor Skycar''' is a prototype personal VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) [[aircraft]] — a "[[flying car]]" — called a "volantor" by its inventor [[Paul Moller]], who has been attempting to develop such vehicles for many years.		The '''Moller M400 Volantor Skycar''' is a prototype personal VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) aircraft — a "[[flying car]]" — called a "volantor" by its inventor [[Paul Moller]], who has been attempting to develop such vehicles for many years.

	See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Wikicars:Model Review Template\|<MODEL> Review]]'''.		See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Wikicars:Model Review Template\|<MODEL> Review]]'''.
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	Further, developers claim that by using eight inexpensive [[Wankel engine\|Wankel rotary engines]] - compared to jet engines, its price will eventually fall close to that of a quality car, even if at the moment the price for the first units is expected to be close to USD$1 million, however prices are expected to drop when the vehicle is put into greater production.		Further, developers claim that by using eight inexpensive [[Wankel engine\|Wankel rotary engines]] - compared to jet engines, its price will eventually fall close to that of a quality car, even if at the moment the price for the first units is expected to be close to USD$1 million, however prices are expected to drop when the vehicle is put into greater production.

	Its proposed features would include ca. 305 mph (491 km/h) cruise speed, 360 mph (579 km/h) maximum speed, max. height 10.8 km, ascend speed 1.4 km/minute, max. payload 340 kg, max. take off weight 1088 kg, more than 8.5 km/liter (~~[[bioethanol\|~~bio]])[[ethanol]], eight redundant, low-emission Wankel engines for safety, residential garage size, a parachute for the whole machine and [[road]] capability for short distances (to be driven to a [[vertiport]]).[http://www.moller.com/newm.htm]		Its proposed features would include ca. 305 mph (491 km/h) cruise speed, 360 mph (579 km/h) maximum speed, max. height 10.8 km, ascend speed 1.4 km/minute, max. payload 340 kg, max. take off weight 1088 kg, more than 8.5 km/liter (bio)ethanol, eight redundant, low-emission Wankel engines for safety, residential garage size, a parachute for the whole machine and [[road]] capability for short distances (to be driven to a vertiport).[http://www.moller.com/newm.htm]
	The fuel mileage is claimed to be similar to that of a big car, but despite potentially shorter routes and less queuing, this is widely viewed as unrealistic. Wankel engines are inherently less efficient than reciprocating engines, and aircraft engines have to run continuously at high power unlike car engines. Moller has produced no detailed or convincing figures to back up this claim.[http://www.skyaid.org/Skycar/overview2001ALL.htm]		The fuel mileage is claimed to be similar to that of a big car, but despite potentially shorter routes and less queuing, this is widely viewed as unrealistic. Wankel engines are inherently less efficient than reciprocating engines, and aircraft engines have to run continuously at high power unlike car engines. Moller has produced no detailed or convincing figures to back up this claim.[http://www.skyaid.org/Skycar/overview2001ALL.htm]

	A smaller version of the 8 low-emissions Wankel engines as in M400, is in [[Moller M200X]] and these engines runs on a mixture of 70% (bio)ethanol and 30% water. Earlier models used [[gasoline]]. The ethanol/water fuel mixture makes the fuel nearly unflammable outside the engines, which dramatically lower the fire hazard. The water cools the engines, with a higher useable compression and the result are better performing engines, than with 100% ethanol. The mixture makes the engine pollution lower than the California strict [[SULEV]] standard (''Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle'').[http://www.moller.com/files/Ethanol-Water-Mix_Press_Release_5-18-07v2.pdf]		A smaller version of the 8 low-emissions Wankel engines as in M400, is in [[Moller M200X]] and these engines runs on a mixture of 70% (bio)ethanol and 30% water. Earlier models used gasoline. The ethanol/water fuel mixture makes the fuel nearly unflammable outside the engines, which dramatically lower the fire hazard. The water cools the engines, with a higher useable compression and the result are better performing engines, than with 100% ethanol. The mixture makes the engine pollution lower than the California strict [[SULEV]] standard (''Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle'').[http://www.moller.com/files/Ethanol-Water-Mix_Press_Release_5-18-07v2.pdf]
	Even with pure ethanol the engines fulfills the SULEV standard.[http://www.smartbrief.com/news/AIA/industryBW-detail.jsp?id=29B39EF9-9500-43DE-AAEB-20DE920D5F98&brief=AIA]		Even with pure ethanol the engines fulfills the SULEV standard.[http://www.smartbrief.com/news/AIA/industryBW-detail.jsp?id=29B39EF9-9500-43DE-AAEB-20DE920D5F98&brief=AIA]

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	==Awards==		==Awards==
	List out notable ''awards'' that the model has recieved while in production. '''Boldface''' the company or organization that gives out the award, and ''Italicize'' the name of the award.		List out notable ''awards'' that the model has recieved while in production. '''Boldface''' the company or organization that gives out the award, and ''Italicize'' the name of the award.

	~~== References ==~~
	~~{{reflist}}~~

	== See also ==		== See also ==

Red marquis: /* SEC complaint */

2008-09-12T18:06:42Z

SEC complaint

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	==Criticisms==		==Criticisms==
	=== SEC complaint ===		=== SEC complaint ===
	In 2003, the Securities and Exchange Commission sued Moller for civil fraud ''(Securities And Exchange Commission v. Moller International, Inc., and Paul S. Moller, Defendants)'' in connection with the sale of unregistered stock, and for making unsubstantiated claims about the performance of the Skycar. Moller settled this lawsuit by agreeing to a permanent injunction and paying $50,000.[http://www.sec.gov/litigation/litreleases/lr17987.htm] from the ~~[[Securities and Exchange Commission\|~~U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission]] website In the words of the SEC complaint, "As of late 2002, MI's approximately 40 years' of development has resulted in a prototype Skycar capable of hovering about fifteen feet above the ground."[http://www.sec.gov/litigation/complaints/comp17987.htm]		In 2003, the Securities and Exchange Commission sued Moller for civil fraud ''(Securities And Exchange Commission v. Moller International, Inc., and Paul S. Moller, Defendants)'' in connection with the sale of unregistered stock, and for making unsubstantiated claims about the performance of the Skycar. Moller settled this lawsuit by agreeing to a permanent injunction and paying $50,000.[http://www.sec.gov/litigation/litreleases/lr17987.htm] from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission website In the words of the SEC complaint, "As of late 2002, MI's approximately 40 years' of development has resulted in a prototype Skycar capable of hovering about fifteen feet above the ground."[http://www.sec.gov/litigation/complaints/comp17987.htm]

	==Generations==		==Generations==

Red marquis at 18:05, 12 September 2008

2008-09-12T18:05:44Z

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	\|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"		\|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
	\| Production		\| Production
	\| ~~{{{produced from when to when+total units made (optional)}}}~~		\| ''pending''
	\|- style="vertical-align:top;"		\|- style="vertical-align:top;"
	\| Class		\| Class

Red marquis: /* Styles and Major Options */

2007-09-02T10:51:44Z

Styles and Major Options

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	===Styles and Major Options===		===Styles and Major Options===
	The craft currently under development, the M400, is intended to ultimately transport four people, however single seat up to six seat variations are planned to be engineered.[http://www.networkperformancedaily.com/2007/08/just_too_cool_interview_podcas.html]It is described as a car since it is aimed at being a popular means of transport for anyone who can drive, incorporating automated flight controls. The driver should only input direction and speed, no pilot knowledge being required. The Skycar might use a system like the Small Aircraft Transportation System (SATS) in 3D "crowded" airspace areas.[http://sats.larc.nasa.gov/]		The craft currently under development, the M400, is intended to ultimately transport four people, however single seat up to six seat variations are planned to be engineered.[http://www.networkperformancedaily.com/2007/08/just_too_cool_interview_podcas.html]It is described as a car since it is aimed at being a popular means of transport for anyone who can drive, incorporating automated flight controls. The driver should only input direction and speed, no pilot knowledge being required. The Skycar might use a system like the Small Aircraft Transportation System (SATS) in 3D "crowded" airspace areas.[http://sats.larc.nasa.gov/]
			[[Image:Moller engine.jpg\|thumb\|right\|250px]]
	Further, developers claim that by using eight inexpensive [[Wankel engine\|Wankel rotary engines]] - compared to jet engines, its price will eventually fall close to that of a quality car, even if at the moment the price for the first units is expected to be close to USD$1 million, however prices are expected to drop when the vehicle is put into greater production.		Further, developers claim that by using eight inexpensive [[Wankel engine\|Wankel rotary engines]] - compared to jet engines, its price will eventually fall close to that of a quality car, even if at the moment the price for the first units is expected to be close to USD$1 million, however prices are expected to drop when the vehicle is put into greater production.

Red marquis at 10:50, 2 September 2007

2007-09-02T10:50:01Z

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	\|- style="vertical-align:top;"		\|- style="vertical-align:top;"
	\| aka		\| aka
	\| ~~{{{aka (Type here, not up there)}}}~~		\| Moller Skycar
	\|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"		\|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
	\| Production		\| Production
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	\|- style="vertical-align:top;"		\|- style="vertical-align:top;"
	\| Class		\| Class
	\| ~~{{{Class}}}~~		\| Flying VTOL Car
	\|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"		\|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
	\| Body Style		\| Body Style
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	\|- style="vertical-align:top;"		\|- style="vertical-align:top;"
	\| Similar		\| Similar
	\| ~~{{{similar (competition)}}}~~		\| ''none''
	\|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"		\|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
	\| Designer		\| Designer

Red marquis: /* Pricing */

2007-09-02T10:47:42Z

Pricing

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:47, 2 September 2007
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	\|}		\|}

	Moller has been taking refundable deposits on the M400 since 2003.[http://web.archive.org/web/20030124011149/http://www.moller.com/purchase/purch_info.html]		*Moller has been taking refundable deposits on the M400 since 2003.[http://web.archive.org/web/20030124011149/http://www.moller.com/purchase/purch_info.html]
	Refund conditions include failure to meet rated performance or failure to obtain US FAA flight certification by December 31, 2005. Since 2003, Moller has slipped the date for FAA flight certification one year each year. As of 2007, Moller's claimed date for FAA certification stands at December 31, 2008. [http://www.moller.com/purc.htm]		Refund conditions include failure to meet rated performance or failure to obtain US FAA flight certification by December 31, 2005. Since 2003, Moller has slipped the date for FAA flight certification one year each year. As of 2007, Moller's claimed date for FAA certification stands at December 31, 2008. [http://www.moller.com/purc.htm]

	In October 2006, Moller attempted to auction the only prototype of its M400 model on eBay. It failed to sell. The highest bid was $3,000,100; Dr. Moller reported at the annual meeting of stockholders on October 21, 2006 in Davis, CA that the reserve price had been $3,500,000. ~~<ref>~~[http://www.motorauthority.com/news/concept-cars/ebay-watch-moller-m400x-skycar-prototype/ ~~"eBay Watch: Moller M400X Skycar prototype"~~] ~~from MotorAuthority.com</ref>~~ A previous attempt in 2003 to sell the M400 via eBay was also unsuccessful. ~~<ref>~~[http://www.moller.com/files/DEC2006CAMPInSightMollerreprint.pdf ~~"The Skycar: Transportation of~~ the ~~Future"] from official Moller website (PDF file)</ref>~~		*In October 2006, Moller attempted to auction the only prototype of its M400 model on eBay. It failed to sell. The highest bid was $3,000,100; Dr. Moller reported at the annual meeting of stockholders on October 21, 2006 in Davis, CA that the reserve price had been $3,500,000.[http://www.motorauthority.com/news/concept-cars/ebay-watch-moller-m400x-skycar-prototype/] A previous attempt in 2003 to sell the M400 via eBay was also unsuccessful.[http://www.moller.com/files/DEC2006CAMPInSightMollerreprint.pdf]

			**Given the machine's very protracted development and its ambitiousness, skepticism that the machine will work as claimed remains high.

	~~Given the machine's very protracted development and its ambitiousness, skepticism that the machine will work as claimed remains high.~~
	===Gas Mileage===		===Gas Mileage===
	''Add more fields as necessary.''		''Add more fields as necessary.''

Red marquis at 10:43, 2 September 2007

2007-09-02T10:43:45Z

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 |}
 ===Gas Mileage===
 ''Add more fields as necessary.''
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 [[Category:Pages with the First Anniversary Infobox Upgrade]]

Red marquis: /* Styles and Major Options */

2007-09-02T10:39:31Z

Styles and Major Options

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:39, 2 September 2007
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	Further, developers claim that by using eight inexpensive [[Wankel engine\|Wankel rotary engines]] - compared to jet engines, its price will eventually fall close to that of a quality car, even if at the moment the price for the first units is expected to be close to USD$1 million, however prices are expected to drop when the vehicle is put into greater production.		Further, developers claim that by using eight inexpensive [[Wankel engine\|Wankel rotary engines]] - compared to jet engines, its price will eventually fall close to that of a quality car, even if at the moment the price for the first units is expected to be close to USD$1 million, however prices are expected to drop when the vehicle is put into greater production.

	Its proposed features would include ca. 305 mph (491 km/h) cruise speed, 360 mph (579 km/h) maximum speed, max. height 10.8 km, ascend speed 1.4 km/minute, max. payload 340 kg, max. take off weight 1088 kg, more than 8.5 km/liter ([[bioethanol\|bio]])[[ethanol]], eight redundant, low-emission Wankel engines for safety, residential garage size, a [[parachute]] for the whole machine and [[road]] capability for short distances (to be driven to a [[vertiport]]).[http://www.moller.com/newm.htm]		Its proposed features would include ca. 305 mph (491 km/h) cruise speed, 360 mph (579 km/h) maximum speed, max. height 10.8 km, ascend speed 1.4 km/minute, max. payload 340 kg, max. take off weight 1088 kg, more than 8.5 km/liter ([[bioethanol\|bio]])[[ethanol]], eight redundant, low-emission Wankel engines for safety, residential garage size, a parachute for the whole machine and [[road]] capability for short distances (to be driven to a [[vertiport]]).[http://www.moller.com/newm.htm]
	The fuel mileage is claimed to be similar to that of a big car, but despite potentially shorter routes and less queuing, this is widely viewed as unrealistic. Wankel engines are inherently less efficient than reciprocating engines, and aircraft engines have to run continuously at high power unlike car engines. Moller has produced no detailed or convincing figures to back up this claim.[http://www.skyaid.org/Skycar/overview2001ALL.htm]		The fuel mileage is claimed to be similar to that of a big car, but despite potentially shorter routes and less queuing, this is widely viewed as unrealistic. Wankel engines are inherently less efficient than reciprocating engines, and aircraft engines have to run continuously at high power unlike car engines. Moller has produced no detailed or convincing figures to back up this claim.[http://www.skyaid.org/Skycar/overview2001ALL.htm]

Red marquis: /* Styles and Major Options */

2007-09-02T10:39:14Z

Styles and Major Options

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	Even with pure ethanol the engines fulfills the SULEV standard.[http://www.smartbrief.com/news/AIA/industryBW-detail.jsp?id=29B39EF9-9500-43DE-AAEB-20DE920D5F98&brief=AIA]		Even with pure ethanol the engines fulfills the SULEV standard.[http://www.smartbrief.com/news/AIA/industryBW-detail.jsp?id=29B39EF9-9500-43DE-AAEB-20DE920D5F98&brief=AIA]

	The Skycar demonstrated limited tethered flight capability in 2003. More tethered flight tests are now scheduled for an undisclosed date sometime after mid 2006. Moller has upgraded the Skycar's engines in 2007, and the improved prototype is now called the "M400X".~~<ref name=New-M400/>~~		The Skycar demonstrated limited tethered flight capability in 2003. More tethered flight tests are now scheduled for an undisclosed date sometime after mid 2006. Moller has upgraded the Skycar's engines in 2007, and the improved prototype is now called the "M400X". Additional flight tests will supposedly be conducted once Moller engineers have completed the upgrades to the Skycar's nacelles with the larger engines (projected for 2007).
	Additional flight tests will supposedly be conducted once Moller engineers have completed the upgrades to the Skycar's nacelles with the larger engines (projected for 2007).~~{{Fact\|date=February 2007}}~~

	===Pricing===		===Pricing===

Red marquis: /* Styles and Major Options */

2007-09-02T10:38:28Z

Styles and Major Options

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:38, 2 September 2007
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	Further, developers claim that by using eight inexpensive [[Wankel engine\|Wankel rotary engines]] - compared to jet engines, its price will eventually fall close to that of a quality car, even if at the moment the price for the first units is expected to be close to USD$1 million, however prices are expected to drop when the vehicle is put into greater production.		Further, developers claim that by using eight inexpensive [[Wankel engine\|Wankel rotary engines]] - compared to jet engines, its price will eventually fall close to that of a quality car, even if at the moment the price for the first units is expected to be close to USD$1 million, however prices are expected to drop when the vehicle is put into greater production.

	Its proposed features would include ca. 305 mph (491 km/h) cruise speed, 360 mph (579 km/h) maximum speed, max. height 10.8 km, ascend speed 1.4 km/minute, max. payload 340 kg, max. take off weight 1088 kg, more than 8.5 km/liter ([[bioethanol\|bio]])[[ethanol]], eight redundant, low-emission Wankel engines for safety, residential garage size, a [[parachute]] for the whole machine and [[road]] capability for short distances (to be driven to a [[vertiport]]).[http://www.moller.com/newm.htm ~~New M400~~] ~~Quote: "...[New] M400 Specification..."~~		Its proposed features would include ca. 305 mph (491 km/h) cruise speed, 360 mph (579 km/h) maximum speed, max. height 10.8 km, ascend speed 1.4 km/minute, max. payload 340 kg, max. take off weight 1088 kg, more than 8.5 km/liter ([[bioethanol\|bio]])[[ethanol]], eight redundant, low-emission Wankel engines for safety, residential garage size, a [[parachute]] for the whole machine and [[road]] capability for short distances (to be driven to a [[vertiport]]).[http://www.moller.com/newm.htm]
	The fuel mileage is claimed to be similar to that of a big car, but despite potentially shorter routes and less queuing, this is widely viewed as unrealistic. Wankel engines are inherently less efficient than reciprocating engines, and aircraft engines have to run continuously at high power unlike car engines. Moller has produced no detailed or convincing figures to back up this claim.[http://www.skyaid.org/Skycar/overview2001ALL.htm] ~~Quote: "...[some bit down; the table] Comparison of Aircraft..."~~		The fuel mileage is claimed to be similar to that of a big car, but despite potentially shorter routes and less queuing, this is widely viewed as unrealistic. Wankel engines are inherently less efficient than reciprocating engines, and aircraft engines have to run continuously at high power unlike car engines. Moller has produced no detailed or convincing figures to back up this claim.[http://www.skyaid.org/Skycar/overview2001ALL.htm]

	A smaller version of the 8 low-emissions Wankel engines as in M400, is in [[Moller M200X]] and these engines runs on a mixture of 70% (bio)ethanol and 30% water. Earlier models used [[gasoline]]. The ethanol/water fuel mixture makes the fuel nearly unflammable outside the engines, which dramatically lower the fire hazard. The water cools the engines, with a higher useable compression and the result are better performing engines, than with 100% ethanol. The mixture makes the engine pollution lower than the California strict [[SULEV]] standard (''Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle'').[http://www.moller.com/files/Ethanol-Water-Mix_Press_Release_5-18-07v2.pdf]		A smaller version of the 8 low-emissions Wankel engines as in M400, is in [[Moller M200X]] and these engines runs on a mixture of 70% (bio)ethanol and 30% water. Earlier models used [[gasoline]]. The ethanol/water fuel mixture makes the fuel nearly unflammable outside the engines, which dramatically lower the fire hazard. The water cools the engines, with a higher useable compression and the result are better performing engines, than with 100% ethanol. The mixture makes the engine pollution lower than the California strict [[SULEV]] standard (''Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle'').[http://www.moller.com/files/Ethanol-Water-Mix_Press_Release_5-18-07v2.pdf]
	Even with pure ethanol the engines fulfills the SULEV standard.		Even with pure ethanol the engines fulfills the SULEV standard.[http://www.smartbrief.com/news/AIA/industryBW-detail.jsp?id=29B39EF9-9500-43DE-AAEB-20DE920D5F98&brief=AIA]
	~~<ref>~~[http://www.smartbrief.com/news/AIA/industryBW-detail.jsp?id=29B39EF9-9500-43DE-AAEB-20DE920D5F98&brief=AIA ~~Aug 10, 2006, Business Wire: Rotapower Engine Achieves SULEV Emissions Goal~~] Quote: "...The 530cc engine tested produced 22 hp at 4500 rpm with an air/fuel ratio of 20 and lambda of 1.35.<br>The toxic emission levels with ethanol were as follows:<br>Unburned hydrocarbons (HC) = .5 ppm or .0043 gm/hphr<br>Carbon monoxide (CO) = 9 ppm or .03 gm/hphr<br>Nitrous oxide (NOx) = 3 ppm or .016 gm/hphr..."</ref>

	The Skycar demonstrated limited tethered flight capability in 2003. More tethered flight tests are now scheduled for an undisclosed date sometime after mid 2006. Moller has upgraded the Skycar's engines in 2007, and the improved prototype is now called the "M400X".<ref name=New-M400/>		The Skycar demonstrated limited tethered flight capability in 2003. More tethered flight tests are now scheduled for an undisclosed date sometime after mid 2006. Moller has upgraded the Skycar's engines in 2007, and the improved prototype is now called the "M400X".<ref name=New-M400/>