NASA Scientific and Technical Information (STI):
“Through Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding from NASA’s Glenn Research Center, the company created a new coating for rotary engines used for industrial application, watercraft, and other performance-demanding machines. These coatings significantly improve the fuel consumption of a vehicle while reducing emissions. The new coatings are offered in the new Rotapower® engine, which is produced and distributed by Freedom Motors. It is this innovative coating that allows the Rotapower® engine to function smoother than other models, reducing wear and protecting the engine. Incorporating NASA technology into the Rotapower® engine gives it the ability to run cleanly and efficiently on a variety of fuels.”
NASA Lewis conclusions regarding Freedom Motors patented use of a composite coating (Duplex PS212/PSZ) for engine applications:
“Duplex PS212/PSZ coatings are expected to be an enabling technology.”
“Concept is applicable to other Wankel engine applications and possibly to other engine types as well.”
“Advantages derived are higher specific power, longer life, and lighter structure.”
“The combination of the thermal barrier and wear coatings was established as a sound principle and has wide application.”
New York City Village Voice:
Dr. Dennis Bushnell, Chief Scientist at NASA’s Langley Research Center, Virginia stated that “Paul Moller is one of the finest engineers in the country.”
Dr. Andrew Burke, Institute of Transportation Studies, University of California, Davis:
- On the use of a rotary engine in hybrid electric vehicles:
“Small size of the rotary engine makes packaging much less difficult than with a reciprocating engine”
“The cost of the rotary engine in volume production should be less than other engine types”
“Two-cycle engine size and cost, with 4-cycle engine efficiency and low emissions”
“Rotary engines are smooth and quiet compared to other engine types”
- Dr. Burke’s Comments specifically on the Rotapower® rotary engine:
“Paul Moller and Freedom Motors have been leaders in the development of the modern rotary engine since 1985”
“The Rotapower® engines are superior to the Mazda engines in several respects: rotor cooling, lubrication, reduced engine friction, and rotor surface coating”
“Emission tests of Rotapower® engines have shown the capability to meet California ULEV standards in vehicles without exhaust after-treatment”
“Some advanced features of the rotary engine patented by Freedom Motors have the potential to increase efficiency of the engine to over 40%” (conventional piston ≈ 30%)
Dr. Burke is considered the resident expert on hybrid cars at ITS-UCD, and is often referred to nationally as the father of the series hybrid car.
Dr. John Zuk—Chief, Advanced Plans and Programs, NASA Ames:
“This is extremely significant,” says Dr. Zuk. “It’s really a breakthrough for the type and concept and it has merits from a cost standpoint that show promise to be a future personal transportation system. It’s a true first.” Dr. Zuk goes on to say, “Moller is different. He’s got academic credentials. He’s thorough.”
Inc. Magazine— “This is Rocket Science!”:
“The engine was the key Moller knew, in combining straight up flight with the speed and simplicity of a light plane.”
Fortune Small Business (FSB) Magazine:
Described Paul Moller as: “...that rare entrepreneur who can pinpoint the genesis of his idea.”
USA Today—Cover story, “Is Flying Car Model T of the Future?”:
“One immediate advantage would be safety. The (Skycar) engines have so few moving parts that they should require a fraction of the maintenance of a helicopter. One engine could fail and the Skycar could still hover to a landing. Piloting the Skycar should require less skill than driving a car.”
Smithsonian Institution INVENTION Series: “The Flying Car”-Produced by the Discovery Channel:
“Paul Moller is unique in this world of complex high technology. He is an independent entrepreneur who still makes his own test flights. It is the people with imagination and the ability to see past the end of their nose that are going to be the ones flying instead of sitting down here in grid-lock on the freeway.”
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