The Jetsons-inspired future that we all dream of inched a little closer to reality today with news that the Terrafugia Transition, a flying car developed by MIT-trained aeronautical engineers and MBA's, will begin limited production in late 2011. The vehicle will be produced in Woburn, Massachusetts--just down the road from company headquarters--with help from 50 lucky workers who will be able to say that they build the futuristic vehicles we were all promised as kids.
The Boston Herald reports that Terrafugia needs to deliver 30 aircraft each year to stay in the black. That's not an easy feat for an entirely new breed of vehicle that costs up to $350,000 a pop. But Terrafugia already has 85 orders for the FAA-approved flying car, so the company can at least make a go of it.
It's street-legal, remember, but that doesn't mean any public road can be cleared for takeoffs and landings. Still, we're a little wary of the Transition's potential to wreak havoc on the roads. Drivers (or pilots) need to have a Sports Pilot license to operate the Transition, but that's an easy requirement to fulfill--20 hours of flight time and a practical test are all that is needed to become certified. With a cruising speed of 115 mph and a 400 mile-range, there is plenty of room for pilots to enter dangerous airspace, either accidentally or on purpose. So here's hoping that Terrafugia works out the logistical kinks of this thing before the first big flying car accident.
COMMENTARY: This car reminds one of that flying car in the James Bond movie "The Man With The Golden Gun".
Designed by a team of MIT graduates, the Ferragugia flying car converts from a street-legal automobile to a Light Sport aircraft in 30 seconds. A 100 hp, four-cylinder engine powers both the craft's three-bladed propeller for a maximum airspeed of 115 mph and its continuously variable transmission, rear-wheel drive to above 65 mph when on the road. When the wings are folded, the craft easily stores in a home's garage. It can be driven to one's preferred airfield on four DOT-approved tires with full road suspension. An electro-mechanical system is activated from inside the two-person cockpit to deploy the self-locking wings into place for take-off provided by a 1,700' runway. Built to fly within VFR conditions, sophisticated modern avionics aid navigation from a touch-screen LCD. Dual pedals and a joystick manage the craft's flight control surfaces--dual rudders, ailerons, and stabilator--while a steering wheel, accelerator, and brake control its road movement. Its 23-gallon gas tank provides a 425 nautical mile range (35 mpg on the road), indispensable for easy day trips from Long Island to Martha's Vineyard. Carbon fiber, titanium, and aluminum construction. Includes comprehensive familiarization with craft. Requires a Sport Pilot Certificate. Special conditions and guarantee limitations apply. Car mode 6' 8" H x 7' 6" W x 19' 6" L; Aircraft mode 6' 6" H x 26' 6" W x 19' 9" L. (Empty weight 970 lbs.)
If you want to order online click HERE or call 1-800-227-3528 for details.
Courtesy of an article dated September 9, 2010 appearing in Fast Company Design and Hammacher Schlemmer
Wow a car and a plane all in one!...this is great!...i wonder what streets looks like in the future :)
Posted by: Filipina Desire | 07/06/2011 at 06:48 AM
terrafugia transition is amazing. A car and airplane rolled into one. But after giving some thought I see problem in it.
There are many nuisance drivers in the streets. I want them to stay on the streets and not flying above me.
Posted by: Frances | 06/11/2011 at 05:01 AM
Are you bringing a model to Canada mainly in the Toronto Ontario area in the near future. I would love to see one up close.
Posted by: Donald King | 04/06/2011 at 09:30 AM