KUALA LUMPUR: Terengganu Menteri Besar has claimed that the scale model of Vector, Malaysia's first flying car, may have an inherent flaw that could shutter the country's flight of fancy.
Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, who is also an aerospace expert, said the propeller guards which cover Vector's blades would reduce the available thrust needed to lift the vehicle.
"If the design and construction adheres to engineering as well as other principles, then it can fly.
"I believe the company has capable technical experts, but looking at the design, I think there is still a long way to go," he said.
He was quoted by Malay daily, Utusan Malaysia as saying that if that was the proposal for Malaysia's first flying car, a more serious attempt needed to be made.
"If it was a project by one of my students, the first comment I would give is regarding the peculiar design of the guards covering the rotors." he said.
He added that calling the vehicle a flying car was also provocative and sensational.
Ahmad Samsuri said the machine should be properly termed, whether it is a vertical take-off vehicle like drones in the market or a small aircraft with retractable wings.
".. Science and technology are not gimmicks and should be based on accurate facts," Ahmad Samsuri added.
The scale model of the Vector was unveiled at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace 2019 (LIMA’19) exhibition last week and quickly grabbed major headlines.
Vector was described as a drone-concept vehicle that was designed for carrying passengers, cargo delivery as well as surveillance.
Powered by four motors and a lithium-ion battery, the vehicle specifications include the ability to carry a load of 150-200kg and fly about 50m above ground level at 60km/h speed with 30 to 90 minutes of flying time.
The Vector prototype is reported to be ready to fly as early as June this year.