Moller International has completed tooling and has begun producing parts for its Jetsons-like M200G volantor, a small airborne two passenger saucer-shaped vehicle that is designed to take-off and land vertically.

The M200G is the size of a small automobile and is powered by eight of the Companys Rotapower rotary engines. This vehicle is intended for operation continuously in ground effect up to approximately 10 feet altitude.

Dr. Moller calls the M200G, the ultimate off-road vehicle able to travel over any surface. Its not a hovercraft, although its operation is just as easy. You can speed over rocks, swampland, fences, or log infested waterways with ease because youre not limited by the surface. The electronics keep the craft stabilized at no more than 10 feet altitude, which places the craft within ground effect where extra lift is obtained from operating near the ground.

This lets you glide over terrain at 50 mph that would stop most other vehicles, he continued. While the Company does not foresee the requirement for significant training or licensing to operate the vehicle, it is prepared to offer demonstration sessions in Davis, California once the vehicle is ready for market.

Production on the initial six airframes started earlier this week using hard-tooled molds with the capability of producing one fuselage per day.

Depending upon engine production volume the M200G price could start as low as $90,000 (£45,000). The key component in determining the M200G production price is the cost of its Rotapower engines. The Company is working with a strategic partner to produce this engine for a number of different applications in order to obtain the cost benefits of high volume production.