All-Terrain Flying Car Debuts

SHREVEPORT, La., Oct. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- SkyRunner^®, a new, innovative recreational sports vehicle will make its public debut at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show this week. Part all-terrain vehicle and part light-sport aircraft, SkyRunner is the next generation in the small, elite segment of light sport aviation. 

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131030/DA07359)

SkyRunner is not limited to the adventurist or recreational enthusiast. The business and governmental applications for a low-cost, low-maintenance aviation asset could include large landowners, ranchers, farmers, pipeline companies, emergency medical teams, film, media, aerial survey companies, bush pilots, border security, police, military and search & rescue.

"Airports are not required with SkyRunner," says Stewart Hamel, SkyRunner Founder and Chief Executive Officer.  "This vehicle will change the way people experience their world and provide pure enjoyment of flight. Imagine driving an all-terrain vehicle that can convert from road to air mode in three minutes — with SkyRunner, that dream has become a reality."

SkyRunner uses the latest reflex paraglide wing technology, which is renowned for its extreme pitch and roll stability.  "Open fields, grass strips and secluded beaches will be the runways of choice," says Hamel. "In the United States 98% of airspace is open to light sport pilots."

SkyRunner weighs 926 pounds and can accelerate to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 115 mph on the ground and 55 mph in the air.  SkyRunner's 1.0 liter EcoBoost direct injection turbo engine's 125PS (92kW) power and 200Nm torque output provides the highest power density of any similar production engine.  The fuel-efficient SkyRunner will see a 500 mile road range (at 53MPG) and 200 nautical miles in the air. The craft is priced at $119,000.

SkyRunner combines reliability, ease of use and portability into one adventurous package.

• Safety Record —powered parachutes are considered to be safer than normal fixed-wing aircraft because of their inherent stability, limited response to control inputs, and resistance to stalls.
• Ease of Use — powered parachutes are the easiest flying vehicles invented to date.  A pilot has only two airborne controls: pitch and roll (up/down and left/right). The interior cockpit of SkyRunner is designed to be a comfortable, functional environment absent of redundant dials, switches and excessive buttons.  With reduced input controls and less to manage in the cockpit, the joy and experience of flight is greatly enhanced.

A license to fly SkyRunner can be obtained in a few days with 12 hours of flight with a Certified Flight Instructor.  Requirements for licensing include a valid driver's license and a minimum age of 17. If applicants are in good health, an FAA medical certificate is not required. Sport pilot regulations will allow flight in daytime, VFR weather in uncontrolled airspace with a ceiling of 10,000 feet above sea level.

Over the next few months SkyRunner will be fulfilling ASTM Design & Manufacturing Standards for its S-LSA certification. During this time, the company will be accepting deposits for SkyRunner orders to be delivered in 2014. Orders can be placed at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show with a $1,500 deposit or by contacting SkyRunner at [email protected] or 318-532-4044.

Parajet Automotive, the British group that designed SkyRunner, is guided by the passion and vision of Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Gilo Cardozo.  Cardozo thrives on the belief that 'we can do better', that form follows function and that everything must serve a purpose. The desire to excel and push the edge has always been at the center of Cardozo's business strategy and innovation. 

Stewart Hamel became acquainted with Parajet Automotive while serving on the Board of Oxford University's Said Business School in England. Impressed with Gilo Cardozo and Parajet's leadership team, Hamel agreed his Louisiana-based investment company would underwrite the design, testing, certification and production of an all-terrain, light sport-aircraft product, later to be known as SkyRunner. Hamel serves as SkyRunner's CEO for U.S. manufacturing and multi-national distribution. 

SOURCE SkyRunner