Spinner Air Cars

The fictional flying cars from Blade Runner, designed by Syd Mead, that combine ground driving with vertical takeoff and jet propulsion.

via Wikipedia: Spinner (Blade Runner) · see source

In the film Blade Runner, the Spinner is the generic term for the fictional flying cars. Conceived and designed by Syd Mead, a spinner can be driven as a ground-based vehicle, take off vertically, hover, and cruise using jet propulsion, much like today's VTOL aircraft. They are used extensively by the police to patrol and survey the population, and despite restrictions, wealthy people can acquire spinner licenses. In Blade Runner, these flying cars substitute for helicopters and very light jets.

Quick Facts

Location

Los Angeles (in-universe); Seattle, WA (real-world exhibit)

Users

Police
wealthy people
general public
VIPs
Wallace Corporation

Propulsion

Conventional internal combustion, jet and anti-gravity (per press kits); describ

Status

On permanent exhibit at the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame

Lore & Background

Designer Syd Mead described the spinner as an aerodyne – a vehicle which directs air downward to create lift. However, press kits for the film stated that the spinner was propelled by three engines: 'conventional internal combustion, jet and anti-gravity.' In Blade Runner (1982), spinners are seen prominently. Deckard and Gaff ride in police spinners, and other various spinners driven by the 'general' public and Very Important Person public fly through the city. In Blade Runner 2049 (2017), Officer K and other LAPD members ride in police spinners, and other spinners driven by the 'general' public and VIP public are seen flying through the city. Certain spinners are also used by members of the Wallace Corporation. The spinner flown by Officer K was branded as a Peugeot as part of a marketing deal that later resulted in a lawsuit between Peugeot and Alcon Entertainment.

Reader's Guide

A spinner is currently on permanent exhibit at the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame in Seattle, WA. In Trancers (1985), the sedan used by Deckard can be seen in a repair shop. In Solar Crisis (1990), a repainted police spinner is used. In Soldier (1998), a spinner can be seen in a pile of wrecked vehicles in one scene. The spinner was conceived and designed by Syd Mead. People use spinners like traditional cars in these films; in Blade Runner, the flying cars substitute for helicopters and very light jets.