Well, this is certainly one way to avoid rush hour traffic.
Terrafugia's flying car, the Transition, has been officially approved for driving on roads and highways. The driver-slash-pilot can now fly between local airports and drive on any road.
On June 30, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) granted special exemptions for the "roadable aircraft." According to Terrafugia's press release, the Transition is the "first combined flying-driving vehicle to receive such special consideration from the Department of Transportation since the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards came into being in the 1970s."
However, several design issues and third-party supply restraints have seemingly stalled production of the Transition from 2011 to 2012, according to Autoblog.
The Register reports that even more challenges may be ahead for the vehicle:
The Transition's manufacturer, Terrafugia, Inc. (pronounced ter-ra-FOO-gee-ah) is a small Massachusetts-based aerospace company founded by pilot-engineers from MIT. The company's name is Latin for "escape from land."
The Transition vehicle passed its first flight test in 2009, and Terrafugia released an updated design called the "next generation Transition" in 2010.
Check out the flying-to-driving conversion, safety features, and other specs (below). Visit Terrafugia's website to learn more about this flying roadster.
COMMENTARY: On March 23, 2011 I profiled the Terrafugia Transition flying car, and absolutely fell in love with this unique flying car.
Terrafugia's determination to see this project to fruition is admirable. The car-plane has faced repeated delays due to regulatory hurdles and supply constraints. Most companies would have thrown in the towel years ago. Despite these setbacks, Terrafugia continues to inch forward and hopes to ship the first car-plane in late 2012.
The Terrafugia Transition is the first flying car that has been approved by both the Federal Aeronautics Administration (FAA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). They cost $350,000 (before tax and license).
Here's Terrafugia's press release dated June 30, 2011 announcing the NHTSA exemption.
Woburn, MA – June 30, 2011: Terrafugia, Inc., developer of the Transition® Roadable Aircraft officially received a grant of all of the special exemptions it had requested from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Terrafugia’s Transition® is the first combined flying-driving vehicle to receive such special consideration from the Department of Transportation since the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards came into being in the 1970s.
These exemptions pave the way for Terrafugia to begin deliveries once Terrafugia’s rigorous Transition® certification testing program is complete. Extensive analysis and simulated crash testing are also being employed with industry partners to ensure that the Transition® meets all other applicable crash safety standards. The Transition® is the only light airplane to have undergone this high level of crash safety design and analysis. It is also the first to incorporate automotive safety features such as a purpose-built energy absorbing crumple zone, a rigid carbon fiber occupant safety cage, and automotive-style driver and passenger airbags.
These exemptions allow the Transition® to use tires that are appropriately rated for highway speeds and the vehicle weight but are not ordinarily allowable for multi-purpose vehicles. The same tires were used successfully on the Transition® Proof of Concept that was flight and drive tested in 2009.
Traditional laminated automotive safety glass would add significant weight to the Transition® and could fracture in such a way as to obscure the vision of the pilot in the event of a bird impact. This exemption allows the use of polycarbonate materials that provide comparable protection to the occupants at significant weight-saving without shattering or crazing – improving the safety of the Transition®.
In the exemption text, NHTSA states: “We further conclude that the granting of an exemption from these requirements would be in the public interest and consistent with the objectives of traffic safety.”
In 2010, the Transition® was granted an additional 110 pounds allowance by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in a prior exemption action by the DOT.
Terrafugia (terra-FOO-gee-ah), based in Woburn, MA, is small aerospace company founded by pilot/engineers from 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 full text of the exemption as published in the Federal Register can be found in PDF and online.
According to some estimates (not confirmed), Terrafugia has sold 70-100 Transition flying cars. If you want to order one click HERE or call 1-800-227-3528 for details.
Congratulations and good work. I want to see the sky covered with Terrafugia Transitions in the very near future.
Courtesy of an article dated July 11, 2011 appearing in The Huffington Post
I can't wait for this flying car to come out! With that out, traffic would be less prevalent and a lot of man hours would be saved. I like the fact that the wings can be flipped and it can land on the ground. Do you have any idea how fast it can go?
Posted by: Carry Demaggio | 01/19/2012 at 07:09 AM
Who wouldn't love this ride? I think this is the best way to avoid traffic. I'd be the coolest thing in the sky if I owned one.
Posted by: Stelle Courney | 01/02/2012 at 05:09 AM