Kyxz Mendiola, an inventor from the Philippines, recently successfully completed a test flight for the world’s smallest concept flying car.
Image via Kyxz Mendiola
Fascinated with the concept of flying cars and hoverboards from Back to the Future, Mendiola was determined to build his own flying car. A former dancer and camera operator, Kyxz Mendiola recently took his concept flying car out in a successful test flight, flying and hovering for a little over ten minutes. His concept flying car “Koncepto Milenya” is a single-passenger vehicle that is powered by unmanned drone technology or ‘multicopter’ technology. Koncepto Milenya can fly as high as 20 feet above ground and go up to speeds of 40 mph.
Mendiola spoke to Reuters after what he said was the first public test flight of his invention.
“It was amazing. All the hard work paid off. Everything worked perfect.”
Image via Kyxz Mendiola
Mendiola is not an aviation expert or engineer by trade, but he took the time to study the dynamics of a flying vehicle. He experimented with drones, and used drone technology to successfully create his own hoverboard prototype last year.
In fact, Mendiola is far from being an engineer by trade or schooling. He was a member of the Philippine All Stars, a hip hop band. Mendiola put in all of his life savings to build his dream project. His initial prototype was limited by what he could buy so he could not purchase the best motors that he wanted to use.
In his interview with Reuters, Mendiola explained how it took a long time for him to save up enough money for the components of the single-seater vehicle that is powered by six lithium-ion batteries. The passenger pilots the craft using a portable radio frequency controller similar to flying a drone.
Nonetheless, he continued undeterred. Finally, he built out his latest version using carbon fiber and excellent motors. The vehicle has a safety feature with 16 rotary motors so that the vehicle will continue operating even if one or two motors fail.
“When we have to go somewhere about an hour’s drive, this can take you there in five minutes.”
Image via Kyxz Mendiola
Mendiola’s concept car has been featured by Time magazine and the video has been viewed online over 10 million times. An Australian company, Star8, is partnering with Mendiola to develop the vehicle after viewing viral videos on social media. Star8 Chief Executive Jacob Maimon said that he wanted to mass produce the vehicle and market it in Australia, Europe and Hong Kong, after his company helped Mendiola perfect the machine.
“We will get there very fast now, what with the help that we can give him.”
Kyxz Mendiola demonstrates beautifully what you can achieve when you have got a great idea and the creativity and determination to make it happen.