A car that can fly, and an aircraft that can be driven - The future of transportation | ET Autolytics

A car that can fly, and an aircraft that can be driven

Small, privately held American automobile manufacturer Terrafugia is developing a roadable aircraft called the Transition and a flying car called TF-X. Without wasting much time, lets first move to TF-X.

The TF-X is a fixed wing street-legal aircraft with electric ground drive and electric power assist on takeoff and landing. It will be able to recharge its batteries either from its engine or by plugging in to electric car charging stations. Also it will be capable of “auto-landing” at approved landing sites within approved weather limits.

The TF-X will carry four people, have non-stop flight range of at least 500 miles, will fit into a standard construction single car garage, will be able to drive on roads and highways, and will be able to fly in either "manual" or "automatic" modes between approved landing zones or airports.

When in cruise, the main 300hp engine provides thrust and charges the batteries.

It is still in the early stages of development, with a production date estimated at 8-12 years in the future. The price will be consistent with high-end luxury cars.

We all have come across airplanes. But have you ever seen a plane that can not only fly, but can also be driven on road. Terrafugia's the Transition is one such wonder.

It is a two-place, fixed wing, street legal airplane under development since 2006. It is designed to fit in a single car garage, be safely driven on the highway, and be flown in and out of general aviation airports.

In this picture, Transition is converting from car to plane mode.

It has a flight range of 787 km and a cruising speed of 160 km/h. On the road, it can drive up to 110 km/h with normal traffic. It has a mileage of 6.7L/100 km on road.

Terrafugia has ensured that you remain safe while driving as well as while flying. Some of the features are - drive in case of inclement weather, fuel efficient 100 hp Rotax 912iS engine, full vehicle parachute included, modern glass avionics, automotive crash safety features, driver and passenger airbags, and factory built & ready to fly.

It has automated electromechanical folding, rear wheel drive on the road, automotive style entry, exit, and seating, two place, side by side, no trailer or hangar needed, cargo for golf clubs and carryon bags, and steering wheel plus stick and rudders.

The first flight of the second generation Transition prototype took place from Plattsburgh International Airport, in Plattsburgh, New York in March 2012. The first delivery of the Transition is scheduled for between 2015 and 2017.

Its price has been estimated at Rs $2,79,000.

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