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The AT Black Knight Transformer, is the world’s first roadable VTOL aircraft. It is designed to be a low-cost rapid response ambulance to evacuate wounded soldiers from the battlefield or transport cargo. The patented AT Transformer technology combines the capabilities of a helicopter, such as the ability to take off and land anywhere, with the capabilities of an off-road automobile. The first technology demonstrator, the AT Black Knight Transformer, completed driving tests in December 2013 in Southern California and is scheduled to fly in early 2014. Read: The Future of Roadable VTOL Aircraft |
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The Black Knight Transformer technology demonstrator in flight configuration. Watch: Engineering Newswire 73: Multicopter Flies Like Chopper, Drives Like Car |
| AT Black Knight Transformer technology demonstrator during driving tests. The engines are stowed along the side of the vehicle to reach a street-legal width. |
| Four-engine technology evaluation aircraft flown in 2012. It is gas powered and weighs over 2,000 lbs. |
| AT engineer, Rustom Jehangir, is standing next to the vehicle for scale. He is six feet tall. |
| Black Knight Transformer operational concept design with streamlined aerodynamics and more powerful and efficient turbo diesel engines. |
| The AT Black Knight Transformer technology demonstrator (top) and the AT Black Knight Transformer operational concept vehicle (bottom) with turbo diesel engines. |
Filed Under: Aerospace + defense