Initial funding of US$2 million is being provided by Darpa, the defence research agency responsible for the technology behind the Internet.

Darpa have christened the programme 'Transformer' -- the intended result being a transportation vehicle that can drive and fly but also carry up to four people.

The stated intention of the Transformer initiative is to enable soldiers to avoid water, difficult terrain, and road obstructions as well as IED and ambush threats.

Whilst US$2 million may seem like a derisory amount, it is hoped that more funding will become available as interest develops in the initiative.

To that end, Darpa are hosting a workshop day this month for prospective contractors.

Darpa have not disclosed if the programme has been named for the Transformers line of toys -- but the similarity has been noticed by some.

"It would only make sense to dub the first prototype vehicle Optimus Prime when -- and if -- Darpa gets there," said Mike Lysaght, correspondent for Edmunds Inside Line.