Many dream of the possibility of having a flying car in the style of the DeLorean of Back to the Future. For some, this idea means comfort and freedom that only exists in science fiction. However, there were those who tried to turn this dream into a reality, such as Henry Smolinskiwhose invention, the AVE Mizar, It could have generated millions of dollars.
The story of this peculiar invention and its creator is an example of how innovation can be a double-edged sword. Although the project promised to revolutionize transportation, ended in tragedy. But who was Smolinski, how his invention came about and the fateful outcome that led to the cancellation of this ambitious proposal.
How the Mizar AVE came about
The story of the shocking invention began in the visionary mind of Henry Smolinski, a aeronautical engineer with a unique entrepreneurial spirit. After years working in leading companies in the sector, Smolinski decided to take a risk and found his own company, Advanced Vehicle Engineersin California, with his friend Hal Blake.
The idea of the AVE Mizar was revolutionary but simple: combine the best of a car and a plane in a vehicle that could move both on land and in air. To materialize this dream, they chose the Ford Pinto as a base, to which they attached parts of an airplane Cessna Skymaster, creating a prototype capable of taking off and landing with ease.
The concept worked very clearly: the driver arrived at the airport with the car, attached the airframe, took off and, upon landing at another point, could disconnect the wings and continue driving. This idea, both practical and ambitious, caught the attention of the media and generated high expectations in the market.
The projected costs for the Mizar AVE were surprisingly affordable: approximately 15,000 dollars, which made it a viable option for many. Its inventor was confident that the vehicle would revolutionize personal transportation and spared no effort in testing and perfecting the design.
Despite some initial problems, testing progressed and the “airplane car” began to be seen as a promising product. However, behind the enthusiasm there was significant technical problems which, unfortunately, would not be resolved in time.
The tragic end of Henry Smolinski
On September 11, 1973, Henry Smolinski and his partner Hal Blake boarded the prototype of the Mizar AVE for a test flight that would change their lives forever. That sad day, defying usual procedures, the creator did not notify the airport before taking offan oversight that would complicate the situation even more.
A few minutes after takeoff, a failure to fix the right wing caused the vehicle to lose stability. Witnesses on the ground saw how the Mizar AVE disintegrated in the air before hitting a tree and a parked truck, leaving a column of black smoke visible for kilometers.
The accident ended the lives of both businessmen instantly. According to subsequent investigations, the prototype had serious design problems, including a excessive weight and faulty welds that compromised the safety of the vehicle.
After the death of its creator, the project was abandoned and Advanced Vehicle Engineers closed its doors. Thus, the dream of a flying car faded, leaving as a lesson that even the most brilliant ideas need impeccable execution to avoid tragedies.
Source: Ambito
