Boeing Throws $2 Million into Flying Car Development through GoFly Competition

The aerospace industry is shifting its focus to personal flying vehicles, also known as flying cars. Boeing's GoFly design competition has selected 10 winners out of hundreds of submissions for the best designs that can carry a person 20 miles without refueling or recharging and have vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability.

The winners will receive $20,000 each in the first round. The four best built-out prototypes will win $50,000 each in March 2019. The grand prize winner will test out the Boeing-determined best personal flying craft in fall 2019.

Uber's plans for a flying taxi service have thrust the entire aviation community into flying car development. Companies are exploring VTOLs and battery-powered passenger drones that fly at an altitude of about 1,000 feet for short-haul flights.