"Project Prodigal and the British Army's Flying Cars" Topic

"In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the British army's Fighting Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (FVRDE) investigated possible future fighting vehicles. A number of investigations were launched, all under the name "Project Prodigal". One such investigation was FVRDE specification 9258, for a scout car with a limited ability to fly. The specification was vague regarding the flight capability, which could be limited to jumping over obstacles, or extend to steady flight for several miles.

The vehicle was envisioned primarily as a ground vehicle with good cross-country performance. Flight was only to be used when it was unable to continue over ground, since it was felt that the enemy would be less likely to detect a ground vehicle. The requirement was for a vehicle no larger than 16 feet long and eight feet wide. It was to have a crew of two, and no armament was specified, though it was to carry radios and have sufficient fuel to travel at least 200 miles on the ground. Armour protection was not required, since it was understood that weight would be at a premium.

Nine potential solutions were submitted, by seven companies. None of them appear to have got as far as the prototype stage. Data sheets and small-scale models were prepared, which offer a fascinating glimpse into what might have been…"

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Amicalement
Armand

Perhaps they should've gone for producing a small, flaying boat instead, since it appears those are easier to make.

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Thanks!.

Amicalement
Armand

Any car can fly … Once … if you hit it with a big enough round or mine/IED … 😁

I have to say I'd never heard about that project before. Not sure I'd wanting to try jumping over hedges in Handley Page vehicle! The Vickers Quad fan actually looks a bit more plausible especially when you consider modern quad-copter drones.

(smile)

Amicalement
Armand