Flying saucer in production in the US : By Megan Levy

Whizzing to work in a flying saucer seems like a futuristic fantasy reminiscent of George Jetson and his space-age pals.The 'Jetsons-like' flying machine is the size of a small car and boasts a top speed of 100mph ,But that reality may be one step closer after US company Moller International embarked on a wacky 30-year quest to build a personal flying pod.

How to operate a flying saucer .
Inspired by the 1960s cartoon series, the California-based company has just begun production on the initial six airframes of its M200G Volantor.Described by its creators as “the ultimate off-road vehicle", the saucer-shaped vehicle can take off and land vertically and travel at a maximum speed of 100mph.Powered by eight of the company’s rotary engines, the vehicle can carry two passengers and glide about three metres above the ground.Company founder Dr Paul Moller said the vehicle could travel over any surface, and was as easy to operate as a hovercraft.
“You can speed over rocks, swampland, fences, or log-infested waterways with ease because you’re not limited by the surface,” he said.He said the vehicle's electronics kept the craft stabilized at no more than 10 feet altitude, which placed the craft close enough to the ground to obtain extra lift."This lets you glide over terrain at 50 mph that would stop most other vehicles,” Dr Moller said.The prototype has completed over two hundred flights with and without a pilot on board.Air-bags surround occupants in the cockpit, while the vehicle’s on-board computer system ensures that it does not enter regulated airspace.Moller International has not arranged for training or licensing requirements to operate the vehicle, but is prepared to offer demonstration sessions at its California base once the vehicle is ready for market.The development has created a stir on the internet, with several UFO websites discussing the merits of the development.But with an estimated starting price tag of about £45,000 - depending on demand – only time will tell if the travelling public will cash in the family sedan for a more high-flying variety.
How to operate a flying saucer
Last Updated: 2:57am BST 04/08/2007
A Californian-based company has invented a flying saucer that could be available for purchase from next year.
How to operate the M200G:
Since computers control the vehicle's stability during operation, the pilot can only control speed and direction.
The vehicle has two hand-operated controls to direct the desired manoeuver.
The left hand control twists to select desired altitude, and moves forwards and backwards to select the rate of climb and descent.
The right-hand control twists to select direction and moves side to side to provide traverse movement during hover and early transition. This same control moves forward and backward to determine speed and braking.
How the M200G works:
The M200G’s performance is similar to that of a light helicopter, but its computerised control system restricts it to within 10 feet of the ground.
The vehicle uses multiple thrust-generating fans. Each fan is enclosed in a housing and provides thrust under the control of an independent flight control computer.
The system ensures that each fan is available to provide stability and control during flight.
In the event that a controller, fan or engine fails, the others will maintain the vehicle’s attitude until the vehicle can land safely.
The vehicle can reach a maximum speed of 100 miles per hour, and is fuelled by a mixture of ethanol and water.