Article Posted on : - Jan 13, 2009

Terrafugia image

LONDON (BNS): Who has not dreamt of a car that can fly? This ultimate dream machine is not only meant for a Bond flick or a sci-fi thriller. The flying car might become a reality. International attention would be focussed on Terrafugia Transition next month.

Developed by MIT-trained aeronautical engineers and business degree holders, Terrafugia is the dream car that can also fly. The car is ready for its road-to-air flight test.

If it clears the test flight – transitioning from an automobile to an aircraft in 15 seconds – the machine would be up for sale in showrooms by the end of next year. It is a dual purpose vehicle, say its developers.

Transition can fold its wings and drive on roads. And when you drive it to the airport, you can just take-off by spreading it's wings. The transition of the car's interior into an aircraft cockpit is performed with convenience without getting out of the vehicle.

Terrafugia is awaiting flight clearances and its developers, a group of individual investors based in Massachusetts hope to make the first sale sometime in 2010.

Developed in 2006, the vehicle is undergoing several tests. Last week, it was exhibited at Boston's Museum of Science where thousands got the first look. It went high speed taxi testing in December 2008.

Terrafugia Transition runs on a 100 bhp engine using normal fuel. The size is compact. In flying configuration it can accommodate two persons including the pilot. The aircraft is being promoted for personal flying.

It can cruise at 100 knots, rotates at 70 knots and range is 400 nautical miles. The stall speed is 45 knots and fuel tank can hold 20 gallons. The useful load is 430 pounds and has been described as a Light Sport Aircraft.

Even before the full certification, people have been placing orders for the $200,000 car –cum- plane. However, there are a number of other issues that need to be settled. Aviation rules do not permit aircraft to take-off from roads. This means that Terrafugia will have to be driven to an airfield for taking off.

It is still not clear if it is an aircraft which can run on roads or a car which can fly. It would mean different dimensions in terms of flight and road safety guidelines. The manufacturers were confident that these issues would be settled when the machine is ready for marketing after all the certifications and trials. Safety, after all, is paramount.

There are several safety arrangements. For instance, one can simply drive when the weather is bad. A full vehicle parachute is also available on board. The cockpit is modern with glass avionics.