A Visionary Idea Takes Off
In the early 1970s, Advanced Vehicle Engineers (AVE) sought to revolutionize transportation with the Mizar, a flying car that combined a Ford Pinto with the wings and tail of a Cessna Skymaster. This hybrid vehicle aimed to merge road and air travel, offering unparalleled convenience.
Engineering the Flying Car
The AVE Mizar featured a detachable airframe that could be reassembled as needed, allowing drivers to take off from runways and land at airports before driving home. It promised to simplify personal aviation, drawing attention and funding from investors intrigued by the concept.
A Tragic Test Flight
On September 11, 1973, AVE co-founder Henry Smolinski and pilot Harold Blake conducted a test flight in the Mizar. Mid-flight, a critical structural failure caused the airframe to separate from the car. The vehicle crashed in Ventura County, California, killing both men.
The End of the Mizar Project
The crash ended AVE’s ambitions, highlighting the significant technical and safety challenges of integrating aviation with automobiles.
In the early 1970s, Advanced Vehicle Engineers (AVE) introduced the Mizar, a flying car combining a Ford Pinto with the wings and tail of a Cessna Skymaster. The design aimed to merge road and air travel, creating a vehicle that could drive to an airport, take off, and land… pic.twitter.com/XDMLgaxyB9
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