The 'flying Humvee' gets off the ground as U.S. military plans first all-terrain, bullet-proof warcraft by next year

It might look like something out of a Marvel comic but this flying jeep is close to becoming a reality.

According to insiders at the military's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the first model of this futuristic vehicle will be ready at the end of next year. 

It is designed to be capable of driving across the roughest terrain like a jeep, sustain gun fire and take off and land at the flick of a switch. 

Warcraft of the future: The military's Transformer TX will look like a 'flying Humvee' and be able to take off and land vertically while being capable of all-terrain driving

Tanked up: The Humvee is commonly used by the U.S. military and is made by AM General

The U.S. Army hopes that the 'flying Humvee' will carry four personnel plus equipment, take off and land vertically, be flown more than 250 miles on a tank of gas, and be operated without pilot training. 

Aerospace companies Lockheed Martin and AAI Corporation have presented 'feasible designs' to the military's Transformer TX program, reports Aviation Week's Ares blog, and have advanced to the next phase - beginning work on prototypes.

Although no contracts have yet been awarded to take the project to the next level, AAI spokesman Sharn Corna told MSNBC: 'It is my understanding that DARPA intends to proceed with us.'

The first model of the 'flying Humvee' is expected at the end of next year.

Invention headquarters: The military's technological branch DARPA is based in Arlington, Virginia

If DARPA then move forward with the project, the new Humvee could take to the skies as soon as 2015. 

'Meeting these requirements is pushing the state of the art in lightweight materials and structure, high power-to-weight engines, and autonomous flight controls,' Aviation Week reported.

It's not the first roadworthy aircraft being produced. The Transition by company Terrafugia is a plane that allows the pilot to fold up its wings when it lands and then drive the aircraft home like a car.
After rigorous flight tests, it passed all regulations in July. 

Coming soon: The Transition is an aircraft which then can be driven home like a car

Car of the future: After rigorous tests, the Transition passed all regulations in July