While the designers refer to their project as a “roadable aircraft” instead of a “flying car,” the concept is the same. It is an airplane powered by a prop that transforms into four wheeled vehicle that can drive down a road at highway speeds. The vehicle has a number of safety features that you would expect to find in any modern car, including airbags and crumple zones.
The problem that the designers had with getting approval from the DOT is that the plane had motorcycle tires on it that were not approved for “multi-purpose vehicles.” In addition, the polycarbonate windshield met with some resistance from the DOT, as well.
The Terrafugia Transition requires of runway of at least 2,500 yards for takeoff. A valid driver’s license and at least a Sports Pilot license are required for operating the vehicle in the air and on land. Wonder how it turns into a car? The electo-mechanical wings fold up in under 30 seconds.
If you think that you simply must have one of these “flying cars,” then you’ll need to get your order in as soon as possible. According to www.terrafugia.com, there is already a backlog over 100 orders. There is no final price listed at this time, but rough estimates put the cost around $250,000. Production is slated to being in 2012, with the manufacturing plant to be located in Woburn, Massachusetts. There have already been many successful test flights and now with DOT’s approval, you just might get lucky enough to see one rolling down the highway.
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