The GEM Model 2500 Air Car is an air powered car designed and manufactured by the American company Curtiss – Wright . GEM. Curtiss Wright had been producing airplanes for many years when they started their ground effects program. They had developed the Air Car as a four-passenger commercial vehicle and hoped that it would be accepted by the public as a sort of air-cushioned equivalent of the family car.
source.image: Found And Explained
Lift was provided by two vertically mounted 180bhp aircraft engines and the air ducts on the sides and rear made it possible to maneuver around.
Two engines to either end turning 4 blade fans to create lift and propulsion. Unlike a hover craft with a huge fan to the rear the air from the internal fans was directed through moving vents all around the sides providing steering, thrust and braking! The cabin was equipped with a dashboard , steering wheel, and convertible top.
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A wheel combined with a boat -like hand throttle controlled four banks of adjustable louvers at each corner of the body, which fanned air for forward thrust, steering , and braking. The air car was capable of a maximum speed of 38 miles per hour on both land and water. At full power, the Air Car rode on a 15-inch cushion of air and could lift a 1000-lb payload
