Can Flying Hypercars be Modified to Fly?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of modifying hypercars, specifically the Bugatti Chiron, for flight. The Chiron's engine boasts 1500 horsepower, which raises questions about its airworthiness when retrofitted for aviation purposes. Participants compare this to older aircraft engines, which typically had less than 400 horsepower, and explore the potential of high-horsepower engines (900-1000+) for flight. The conversation highlights ongoing projects aimed at creating flying vehicles, including hover bikes and jet packs, indicating a growing interest in this innovative field.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of horsepower versus thrust calculations
  • Familiarity with aviation regulations and airworthiness standards
  • Knowledge of propulsion systems in both automotive and aerospace engineering
  • Experience with vehicle modification techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the airworthiness requirements for modified vehicles
  • Explore propulsion systems suitable for hybrid automotive and aviation applications
  • Investigate current projects in flying cars and hover bikes
  • Learn about the engineering challenges of retrofitting high-horsepower engines for flight
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Aerospace engineers, automotive engineers, innovators in transportation technology, and enthusiasts interested in the development of flying vehicles.

shintashi
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Recently the Bugatti Chiron set a record of some sort for rapidly accelerating to 249 mph and then dropping back down. The engine is something to the effect of 1500 horsepower and the vehicle isn't terribly heavy. Old Airplanes had engines below 400 horsepower and ultra lights can be far less than that. The paraglider motors can take a single passenger several miles at variable altitude using just a fan and parachute.

So I was wondering, if retrofit or modified, is the Chiron's engine Airworthy? And Hypercars in general? Like 900-1000+ horsepower engines. I understand that pounds of thrust are calculated differently from horsepower, but in terms of modification, would these kinds of engines be up to snuff, and could such vehicles be altered to fly, such as an oversized 4 prop drone or some such?
 
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People are doing this already in their attempts to make hover bikes and flying cars. There's even one group that has built a "Jet Pack" although its quite a bit larger and can really fly longer distances.



 

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