A flying car with stackable wings is now a reality

The U.S. Patent Office has published Toyota’s patent application for a flying car with a unique design — stackable wings that rise from the roof to make it look like a hybrid double-biplane with cup holders. Will it work Will it sell

US Patent 9216814 is actually for the part that turns it into a plane Toyota calls it the “stackable wing for an aerocar.” The patent document contains multiple drawings of the stackable wings in what Toyota calls a “closely stowable” storage formation on top of a car and fully extended on some sort of pole in flying mode. There’s also a fin on the trunk (or boot) that will apparently suffice for a tail. Since the views are all from the side and not the front or back, it’s hard to tell how wide the wings are, but it’s safe to assume they’re not much wider than the car itself to maintain its looks, aerodynamics and ability to fit in a normal garage when on the ground. That may explain the “stack” formation.

Without wide wings, a plane must get its lift by using multiple wings like a biplane or triplane. The wings are tiltable for takeoff, climbing, cruising and landing. And the science (at least for the wings) says it could fly. Will it sell If they call it the Flius (Fly-us), Prius owners might trade up.

People might want to wait for TF-X flying car from Terrafugia, which received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration for unmanned hover tests.