5 Facts About The Flying Car Of WW2

The Rotabuggy is a flying car, a Jeep with a rotor and tail attachment. The best part is that it actually flies! Here are five interesting facts about this flying car of WWII:

1. Testing of this project initially began with Jeeps dropped from various heights

This was to test its structure and suspension. The testing determined that the Jeep was more than adequate for the role with the rest of the design fitted around the vehicle’s shape.

2. A crew of two were required to fly the Rotabuggy

One would be in the driver’s seat and one in the front passenger seat. The driver would drive the Jeep as normal along the runway until it was time for takeoff. Then, the pilot in the passenger seat would engage the rotors, flying the vehicle in the air.

3. This Jeep conversion would allow Allied soldiers to fly their transport straight into battle

After landing, the tail part can be removed and the vehicle could be used in combat as normal.

4. While it wasn’t a successful undertaking, it was a very interesting design nonetheless

Not many of these flying cars were produced. With the end of the war in sight, time and resources diverted into this project wasn’t a good idea. The Buggy would be taken apart and the Jeep would be used as a motor pool vehicle.

5. A replica of the vehicle exists today

However, the original one is long gone.