By Garth Calitz

Simply mention the name DeLorean, and even today, most people will envision Doc Brown's sleek, gull-winged car from Robert Zemeckis' 1985 film, Back to the Future. There was a time when this might have sufficed for DeLorean's recognition, but not anymore.

With the recent introduction of DeLorean Aerospace's DR-7, it's finally time to advance. The DR-7, a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft by DeLorean, currently exists solely as a ⅓ scale model to demonstrate its physics.

Established in 2012, DeLorean Aerospace aims to make personal air travel accessible and exciting for everyone. The DR-7 will feature two electric ducted fan units with 360-degree thrust-vectoring, which the company claims will provide exceptional stability for the aircraft.

The carbon composite body of the DR-7 is a monocoque structure, akin to a Formula 1 race car, and it will seat two passengers in a fighter-jet style tandem configuration.

The VTOL aircraft is equipped with an autonomous flight control system, which also permits manual operation for those who enjoy performance flying. According to DeLorean, the aircraft is designed to be operated with minimal pilot training.

The centerline twin vectoring propulsion system (CTV) significantly reduces drag, and the fuselage acts as an aerofoil to enhance efficiency and improve resistance to stalling at low speeds. The thrust vectoring fan system removes the necessity for a rudder, which further decreases drag and enables higher cruising speeds.

Initial specifications from DeLorean Aerospace, established by Paul DeLorean, the nephew of carmaker John DeLorean, indicate that the DR-7 will measure slightly less than 6 meters in length, making it compact enough to fit in most home garages. With the 5.7-meter wings folded, the aircraft's width is reduced to just 2.3 meters.

DeLorean anticipates that the two-seat aircraft will be able to travel 120 miles (193 km) on one charge, cruising at 150 mph (240 km/h) and reaching a maximum speed of 240 mph (380 km/h).

The DR-7 prototype is anticipated to take flight by the end of 2018.