Man has always been fascinated by the flying birds and that's why he has always dreamt of taking to the sky.In the history of flying we can see that many men died attempting to fly like a bird.Though a man still can't fly like a bird,but this dream of man to take to the sky has been realized by developing balloons, air planes and rockets.Now a new type of flying vehicle has joined this list of flying objects which have helped man take to the sky i.e.,the Terrafugia Transition - World's First Flying Car.
The Terrafugia Transition is the world's first flying car or roadable air craft, designed and developed by a US based company named Terrafugia®.The company is based just outside of Boston in Woburn, Massachusetts, USA.According to the official website of Terrafugia,this company was founded in 2006 by award-winning MIT-trained engineers and MBAs - who also happen to be private passionate pilots.The company's mission is to provide innovative and unique solutions to cope with the challenges facing personal aviation.
The Terrafugia Transition is a two-seater,dual purpose,flying vehicle with foldable wings, which,at the push of a button,converts just in 30 seconds to a car that can be driven on the road.Once at the airport the wings expand and the flying car is ready for take off like an aircraft.Both extending and folding of wings is done from inside the cockpit.
On the ground the Terrafugia Transition is a rear-wheel drive.It is bi-seater and has automotive style entry and exit.It has automated electromechanical folding wings.No trailer or hanger is required for this flying car.It is equipped with gasoline-fuelled 100hp Rotax 912ULS engine.It may be driven even in case of inclement weather.It is equipped with modern glass avionics,full vehicle parachute,and automotive crash safety features.
According to the official website of Terrafugia,the performace related parameters and features of this flying car are:
- Max, Vh: 100 kts (115 mph, 185 km/h)
- Cruise, Vc: 93 kts (105 mph, 172 km/h)
- Stall, Vs: 45 kts (51 mph, 83 km/h)
- Range: 425 nmi (490 mi, 787 km)
- Takeoff: 1700' (518 m) over 50' obstacle
- Gross Takeoff Weight: 1430 lbs (650 kg)
- Empty Weight: 970 lbs (440 kg)
- Useful Load: 460 lbs (210 kg)
- Fuel burn at cruise: 5 gph (18.9 L/h)
- Useable Fuel: 23 gal (87L)
- Mileage on road: 35 mpg (14.9 km/L)
- Aircraft Type : Light Sport Aircraft (LSA)
The dimensions of this flying car are :
| Driving: 80” (2m) tall 90” (2.3m) wide 18’ 9” (6m) long | Flying: 78" (2m) tall 26' 6" (8m) wingspan 19' 9" (6m) long | Cockpit: 48” at the shoulder Carry-on luggage Golf clubs Two place, side-by-side |
The word "Terrafugia" is derived from Latin and it means "Escape the Earth".According to the official website of Terrafugia,"The Transition® addresses head-on the issues private and sports pilots face: cost, weather sensitivity, high overall door-to-door travel time and a lack of mobility at destination".The first delivery of this flying car is expected in 2012.The anticipated base price of the Terrafugia Transition is $279,000.Further details about this flying car may be found at the official website of Terrafugia.
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