Sunday Times 2
Is the flying car finally here? First model set to go on sale in two years
The first flying cars are set to go on sale to the public as early as 2015. Terrafugia has announced its Transition design, which is part sedan, part private jet with two seats, four wheels and wings that fold up so it can be driven like a car, will be on sale in less than two years.
The Massachusetts-based firm has also unveiled plans for a TF-X model that will be small enough to fit in a garage, and won’t need a runway to take off. Last year, the Transition successfully flew at 1,400 feet for eight minutes. Commercial jets fly at 35,000 feet.
However, it will not be cheap – the Transition will cost £190,000 ($300,000)
And Terrafugia says owners must have pilot’s licenses, and will need to pass a test plus complete 20 hours of flying time to be able to fly the car. Despite the advances in technology the Transition demonstrates, critics have said that it is still not the vision of flying cars seen in many sci-fi films.
To answer these critics, Terrafugia has now also released designs for a TF-X Model of its Transition range. Whereas the Transition requires a runway, the TF-X can take off from a vertical position because of motorised rotors on the wings.
These rotors will work in a similar way to helicopter rotors. Being able to take off from standstill means owners will be able to go from the road to the air straight from their driveways, car parks and even when stuck in traffic. Although you will still need at least 100 feet in diameter in order to open the wings. According to Terrafugia, the vehicle will carry four people ‘in car-like comfort’. It is expected to be able to fly, nonstop, for 500 miles.
© Daily Mail, London
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