Terrafugia’s roadable aircraft, Transition, all set for take-off

(vIndianz June 30, 2010): Flying car Transition from Terrafugia is set for take off, finally. With the US Federal Aviation Administration granting approval to the two-seater flying car developed over the last four years by Massachusetts-based Terrafugia, the ‘roadable aircraft’ is now ready to fly.

Designed to run on normal unleaded gasoline, the Transition would boast of a cruising speed in the air of around 185 kph at a flying range of 740 km. You can drive it along the highways with its wings folded. You can also make it fly as it has been designed as an environmentally friendly plane too. Fuel consumption is said to be around 7.85 liters per 100 km Transition will come features that all regular road vehicles have – air bags and all that is.
While cruising along highways, the wings remain folded and would rely on a conventional front-wheel drive. You ill also be able to park it any regular sized parking lot comfortably.

If you are looking at flying, you can do it via an airport, airstrip, or suitable flat land. The Transition will be ready for flight when the wings are spread out and the rear-facing propeller is engaged to enable the vehicle for take off. All it needs is a runway of just over 500 meters, said a physorg.com report.

The Transition had been made to wait for Federal approval as there were concerns about its weight. The 600 kg had been feared as over the limit for a light sport aircraft. However, the latest is that the Transition has received special exemption and it will now be able to fly without any legal hassles binding it. According to the report, the extra 50 kg allows the vehicle to include safety equipment needed to meet federal motor vehicle standards in addition to aviation standards.

Expected to cost $194,000, Terrafugia is likely to roll out Transition by end of 2011. Significant is the fact that Terrafugia has already bagged 70 orders for the vehicle. Designed by a team of engineers trained at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Transition could be seen as a modern day wonder.

(Images: Terrafugia)