Who invented the flying car?

The invention of flying cars is often attributed to several individuals and teams, but it's important to note that no widely available, mass-produced flying cars exist as of my knowledge cutoff in March 2023. While there have been numerous prototypes, concepts, and experimental designs, none have attained the status of a commercial product available for consumer purchase.

Here are a few notable contributors to the history of flying car development:

Glen Curtiss:

In 1917, American aviator and engineer Glenn Curtiss developed an aircraft called the "Autoplane," which was a modified version of his seaplane. The Autoplane could be equipped with detachable wheels, allowing it to transition between flying and driving on land.

Robert Fulton Jr.:

In the early 1930s, Robert Fulton Jr., a descendant of the famous steamboat inventor, worked on a flying car concept called the "Airphibian." The Airphibian was designed to transition between flying and driving, similar to Curtiss' Autoplane.

Molt Taylor:

Molt Taylor, an American inventor, designed and built several flying car prototypes during the 1950s and 1960s, including the "Aerocar." The Aerocar achieved some notoriety and even gained FAA approval for flight, but it never saw widespread commercial production.

Terrafugia:

In recent years, several startups, including Terrafugia, have garnered attention for their flying car projects. Terrafugia developed a prototype called the "Transition," a two-seater vehicle capable of both road driving and powered flight. However, as of my knowledge cutoff in March 2023, the Transition had not entered commercial production.

It's worth emphasizing that the development of practical, safe, and affordable flying cars faces significant technological, regulatory, and infrastructural challenges. While ongoing research and advancements in aviation and automotive technologies hold promise, realizing a widespread adoption of flying cars as a primary mode of transportation is still a complex endeavor.