Allhough the day when there will be an aero-car in every garage still may be far off, Ford Motor Company research designers have developed this 3/8-scale model to show how such a vehicle might look.

Named the Volante, the model is not operable but represents a design concept of a vehicle that might be capable of operating either in the air or on the ground. The tri-athodyne concept calls for ultra-sophisticated use of the ducted fan principle, employed in a unique manner.

The front rotor features two sets of contra-rotating blades in conjunction with two opposite-rotating, multi-bladed fans in the rear. This system theoretically cancels out all propeller torque characteristics, with the result that aerodynamic tail surfaces are not

The Volante would be controlled by a system of adjustable lateral and longitudinal vanes, which would allow complete maneuverability in all directions.

The tri-ducted fan arrangement also inspired Ford designers to lake full advantage of the delta-shaped aerodynamic configuration.