“Gear up and fasten your seatbelts because we’re ready to take off aboard a flying automobile.” These words may no longer be uncommon for “barkers” to say, someday soon. This is no longer science fiction, but a reality. Mobility has taken on a new dimension, unveiling a prototype for a mass-produced flying car. Created by Slovakia-based company Klein Vision, AirCar made its public debut on May 8, following the 2025 Living Legends of Aviation Awards ceremony in Beverly Hills late last month.
Its inventor, Stefan Klein, says he has labored for the past 20 years “converting his flying car dream into reality.” AirCar already holds a Certificate of Airworthiness and has completed over 170 flight hours and more than 500 takeoffs and landings.
According to the company website, the flying car boasts a dual-mode vehicle or automatic transformation from a regular car to an airplane with the press of a button in under three minutes. Its inventor, Professor Štefan Klein, did the test drives.
“Professor Štefan Klein is a global leader in user-friendly flying car development,” said Dr. Branko Sarh, Senior Technical Fellow at Boeing Co. “The automated transformation from road vehicle to aircraft and back—featuring retractable wings and tail section—is not just the result of pioneering enthusiasm, an innovative spirit, and courage, but also excellent engineering and professional expertise,” he added.
AirCar Prototype 1 is equipped with a 160-horsepower BMW engine, a fixed propeller, and an emergency ballistic parachute. Under the supervision of Slovakia’s Civil Aviation Division of the Transport Authority, AirCar has completed over 40 hours of test flights, including sharp turns, 45-degree inclinations, stability testing, and maneuverability assessments. Prototype 1 flew at an altitude of 2,500 meters and reached a maximum cruising speed of 190 km/h.
The next-generation AirCar Prototype 2, a pre-production model, will feature a 224kW (300-horsepower) engine and obtain certification under aviation regulations and a road permit.
With an adjustable propeller, Prototype 2 is expected to reach a cruising speed of 300 km/h and a range of 1,000 km.
“This flight marks the true beginning of dual-mode vehicles. It introduces a new category of transportation and restores the freedom originally associated with the automobile,” said Professor Klein after stepping out of the AirCar cockpit in Bratislava.
“AirCar is no longer just a concept confirmation; flying at an altitude of 2,500 meters and a speed of 190 km/h. It turns science fiction into reality,” added Anton Zajac, co-founder of Klein Vision.
