

Where's my flying car?
Apr 19, 2024
Gideon Lewis-Kraus, a staff writer at The New Yorker, dives into the fascinating saga of flying cars and their long, whimsical history in America. He explores the clash between ambitious dreams of personal air travel and the stark realities of technology and regulation. Gideon highlights groundbreaking innovations, including VTOL craft and advancements in battery tech, while discussing the industry's potential to revolutionize urban transport. With anecdotes and insights, he captivates listeners with the future possibilities of soaring through the skies.
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Bertha Benz's Road Trip
- In 1885, Bertha Benz took the first road trip, driving from Mannheim to Pforzheim.
- This trip popularized automobiles, creating the first gas station and auto mechanic by necessity.
A Combined Dream
- The invention of the car and the airplane happened around the same time, inspiring dreams of combining them.
- This led to many attempts at creating flying cars throughout the 20th century.
Conflicting Designs
- Cars and airplanes have conflicting design requirements.
- Cars need road grip, while airplanes need lift, making a true "flying car" challenging.