Congratulations go out to Massachusetts-based Terrafugia on the successful first flight of their upcoming flying car. The short-lived flight can be seen in its entirety in this 45-second video.
The Transition Roadable Aircraft Proof of Concept is capable of converting from a plane into a car in about thirty seconds. As an aircraft, the two-seater should be allowed to take off and land at any local airport. When utilized as such, a Sport Pilot license is required. In the air, the vehicle is capable of about 115 mph, with a flying-only range of 450 miles. As a car, it travels up to 65 mph, and gets 30 mpg.
One engine is used to power the vehicle, either as a propeller plane or a front-wheel-drive car. No special fuel is used, either; just the same unleaded gasoline you would get at any gas station. Unfortunately, local authorities would probably frown on a pilot landing the plane at a highway oasis.
"This breakthrough changes the world of personal mobility. Travel now becomes a hassle-free integrated land-air experience. It's what aviation enthusiasts have been striving for since 1918," Terrafugia CEO Carl Dietrich said.
Purchase price for the first generation of the vehicle is estimated at $194,000. The idea is to provide a lower-cost solution to pilots who may want to fly somewhere on a weekend trip, and not have to rent a car. At only 80-inches wide, the vehicle would be equipped to taxi off the runway, into the parking lot, and out on the street.
Refundable reservations are being accepted for Terrafugia's project, but the Transition still has a long way to go. Following more advanced airborne and road testing, a new pre-production prototype will be built.
It looks like before long we will finally be able to say, "The flying cars are here!"
The Transition(R) Roadable Aircraft Completes Successful First Flight
Terrafugia, Inc., a game-changing aircraft company, announced today the first flight of its Transition(R) Roadable Aircraft Proof of Concept. Often referred to as a "flying car", the Transition(R) is a two-seat aircraft designed to take off and land at local airports and drive on any road. Transforming from plane to car takes the pilot less than 30 seconds.
An historic milestone for aviation, the flight comes after six months of static, road and taxi testing. The Transition(R) cruises up to 450 mi at over 115 mph, can drive at highway speeds on the road, and fits in a standard household garage. The vehicle has front wheel drive on the road and a propeller for flight. Both modes are powered by unleaded gasoline from a regular gas station.
"This breakthrough changes the world of personal mobility. Travel now becomes a hassle-free integrated land-air experience. It's what aviation enthusiasts have been striving for since 1918," says Carl Dietrich, CEO of Terrafugia.
By giving pilots a convenient ground transportation option, the Transition(R) reduces the cost, hassle, and weather sensitivity of personal aviation. It also increases safety by incorporating automotive crash structures and allowing pilots to drive under bad weather.
For its first flight, the Transition(R) was flown by Phil Meteer, Colonel, USAFR (Retired) at Plattsburgh International Airport in Plattsburgh, NY. The chase aircraft was piloted by Giora Guth.
Categorized as a Light Sport Aircraft, the Transition(R) requires a Sport Pilot license to fly. The Proof of Concept will undergo additional advanced flight and drive testing and a pre-production prototype will be built and certified before first delivery. Refundable airframe reservations are being accepted.
Terrafugia (terra-FOO-gee-ah), based in Woburn, MA, is comprised of a team of award-winning engineers who have been advancing the state of personal aircraft since 2006. Founded by five pilots who are graduates of MIT and supported by a world-class network of advisors and private investors, Terrafugia's mission is the innovative expansion of personal mobility. "Terrafugia" is Latin for "escape from land."
The Transition(R) will temporarily be on exhibit at the Museum of Science, Boston on March 18, 2009.
Terrafugia would like to acknowledge and thank its corporate sponsors: SolidWorks Corporation and CableOrganizer.com. Additionally, the following business partners have contributed to a successful first flight by furnishing equipment and services: Garmin International, Dynon Avionics, CO Guardian, David Clark Company, Bose Corporation, Icom Inc. and Air Graphics LLC.
Renegade
March 18, 2009 11:07 PM
