It is undeniable that many things which have been a myth before had been a reality today. Through the advancement of technology, great things have come into existence thus, making our daily struggles much easier. One example of this is the Terrafugia Transition, a car able to venture out in the skies. It is a two-seat aircraft developed by Terrafugia which began in 2004 by pilots and engineers out of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and is now led by an aeronautical whiz and a Lemelson-MIT Student Prize winner Carl Dietrich. The Transition, identified as a Light-Sport Aircraft, can land at an airport, fold its wings, and then drive on the road.
Below are the specifications of the world’s first flying car:
Performance
| Max, Vh: Cruise, Vc: Stall, Vs: Range: Takeoff: | 100 kts (115 mph, 185 km/h) 93 kts (105 mph, 172 km/h) 45 kts (51 mph, 83 km/h) 425 nmi (490 mi, 787 km) 1700′ (518 m) over 50′ obstacle |
| Gross Takeoff Weight: Empty Weight: Useful Load: | 1430 lbs (650 kg) 970 lbs (440 kg) 460 lbs (210 kg) |
| Fuel burn at cruise: Useable Fuel: Mileage on road: | 5 gph (18.9 L/h) 23 gal (87L) 35 mpg (14.9 km/L) |
Convenience
Rear wheel drive on the ground
Automotive-style entry and exit
Two place, side by side
Automated electromechanical folding wing
No trailer or hangar needed
Cargo area holds golf clubs
Safety
Drive in case of inclement weather
Proven 100 hp Rotax 912ULS engine
Full vehicle parachutes available
Modern glass avionics
Automotive crash safety features
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