Flying Car: Terrafugia’s Transition Roadable Aircraft
Posted By RichC on January 23, 2009
The Transition is another one of those flying car “dream” ideas (or as Terrafugia calls it, “a roadable aircraft”) which seems to be really moving closer in bringing driving and flying together. According to a the company’s website, this concept car/plane was founded in 2006 by a group of MIT students. They have work diligently on the protype and are seriously planning on delivering these vehicles. The sell price is currently noted as $194,000 and the company as already taken deposits for 40 Transitions for a first delivery in 2010.
What is unique about this “Sport Aircraft” is that it falls in to the Sport Pilot category and looks to be able to make driving to the airport and taking off in the same vehicle a reality (nice to be able to save that $200+/mo. on on hanger space). What makes this new aircraft possible are the advances in materials and propulsion technology not afford before composites and lightweight, but high performance engines.
Performance
| Cruise: 100 kts (115 mph) Rotate: 70 kts (80 mph) Stall: 45 kts (51 mph) Range: 400nm (460 mi) Takeoff over 50′ obstacle: 1700′ |
Fuel burn: 5 gph Fuel tank: 20 gallons Useful Load: 430 lbs On road: 30 mpg, 65 mph Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) |
Convenience
Front wheel drive on the ground
Automotive-style entry and exit
Automated electromechanical folding wing
No trailer or hangar needed
Cargo area holds skis, fishing poles or golf clubs
Safety
Drive in case of inclement weather
Proven 100 hp Rotax 912S engine
Full vehicle parachute available
Modern glass avionics
Automotive crash safety features
Dimensions
| Folded: 6’ 9” tall 80” wide 18’ 9” long |
Airplane: 6’ 3” tall 19’ 2” long Wingspan: 27’ 6” |
Cockpit: 51” at the shoulder |
First delivery anticipated in 2010.
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