en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convair_Model_118
1 correction found
Convair anticipated that the Model 118 would be purchased in large numbers to be rented at airports.
The rental idea was for the detachable flight unit or wing, not for the whole Model 118 itself to be rented out at airports.
Full reasoning
This sentence reverses the ConvAirCar's proposed business model.
Contemporary reporting described selling the automobile portion to the customer and renting the flying attachment at airports. A San Diego Union article from November 16, 1947, reproduced by the Convair Sailing Club from the Union-Tribune archives, says: "One suggestion which has been discussed is to sell the automobile part of the craft to the consumer and rent him the flying part ... An owner could drive to Lindbergh Field, rent a wing for a trip to San Francisco."
A Smithsonian Air & Space history of flying cars summarizes the same concept the same way: the ConVairCar "topped a two-door sedan with a flight unit containing its own powerplant, which car owners would rent at the airport."
So the article's wording is inaccurate: Convair was not expecting complete Model 118 vehicles to be bought in order to be rented out at airports. The plan was for owners to have the road vehicle and rent interchangeable flight modules/wings when needed.
2 sources
- Convair Flying Car 1947 - Convair Sailing Club
"One suggestion which has been discussed is to sell the automobile part of the craft to the consumer and rent him the flying part... An owner could drive to Lindbergh Field, rent a wing for a trip to San Francisco."
- Auto Pilots | Air & Space Magazine
"The ConVairCar concept added a new twist: It topped a two-door sedan with a flight unit containing its own powerplant, which car owners would rent at the airport."