September 17, 2015
Posted By : Barrett-Jackson
Written By : independent automotive journalist Roger C

WHAT THE FUTURE LOOKED LIKE IN 1985: The Sky Commuter Aircraft will soon be docking at the Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction

WHAT THE FUTURE LOOKED LIKE IN 1985: The Sky Commuter Aircraft will soon be docking at the Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction

September 17, 2015
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

Written by independent automotive journalist Roger C. Johnson

This 1990 Concept Sky Commuter Aircraft (Lot #729)  is sure to attract some attention at the 8th Annual Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction.

This 1990 Concept Sky Commuter Aircraft (Lot #729) is sure to attract some attention at the 8th Annual Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction.

Sky Commuter_InteriorThe 1990 Sky Commuter Aircraft is perhaps the most interesting prototype vehicle ever produced. Designed as a far-forward look into the future of personal transportation by Boeing engineers, the Sky Commuter is the result of a $6 million investment in imagination. Work began in the mid-1980s and was performed at Boeing’s facilities in Arlington, Washington.

Approximately 60 investors supplied the funding. Three prototypes of this machine were built and only this one has survived. Sadly, when the proverbial plug was pulled on this project, everything in the hanger was destroyed or otherwise disposed of. Fortunately for all of us, this particular example was stored elsewhere at the time, or it would be gone from history as well.

The craft uses an electric gas-assisted bubble canopy of Lexan to allow entry of its two passengers, both of whom could have had control of the craft via a center-mounted joystick along with two control pedals on each side of the cabin.

Sky Commuter_EngineThe front dash area is made of carbon fiber and Kevlar, as strength and lightness are the guiding principles of this kind of engineering exercise. Accessing the engine bay and the main electronics area is simply a matter of pulling the seatbacks forward and removing the enclosure panel.

Like many concept vehicles, the Sky Commuter does not have an actual propulsion system. Yet the engineering design called for a turbine engine mounted on-board, pushing a helicopter-style driveshaft that would spin up the impeller blades. These 3-foot-diameter fans are placed in a horizontal position with one up front and two in the rear. This craft would have been able to take off and land on virtually any surface, including water. Exhaust from the turbine engine was to be routed out the tail section in order to produce the required thrust for forward motion.

The Sky Commuter Aircraft will always be a static display, but the incredible uniqueness of this machine opens up countless ways for its new owner to indulge in their own make-believe. When you bring this creation home, perhaps your children or grandchildren can take a trip to the outer regions of imagination at any time. Who knows – it just might be one of them who ultimately completes the formula to make this a viable technology for all of us.

Written by independent automotive journalist Roger C. Johnson


The Sky Commuter Aircraft (Lot #729) will be one of the amazing vehicles – or perhaps you could consider it the ultimate piece of automobilia – at the 8th Annual Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction, Sept. 24-26 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.

For up-to-date information on this vehicle, click HERE.

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