Photo: Terrafugia
For more than a decade now, a U.S.-based, Chinese owned company that goes by the name of Terrafugia has been trying to make flying cars a reality. Despite its efforts and those of others, this type of vehicle is still a long way from becoming something desirable.
Terrafugia has been developing the Transition car/aircraft since 2010, and it is only next year that the model will be entering production.
Terrafugia Transition Roadable Aircraft comes with folding wings, and it is powered by a Rotax 912S engine, capable of giving the machine a range of 400 nautical miles (460 miles) at a top cruising speed of 100 knots (115 mph). For land use, the two-seater Transition uses a front wheel drive setup.
As compared to the versions being tested until now, the 2019 production model will bring a series of updates. The most important is use of a hybrid-electric motor, which would allow the combination of power coming from both an internal combustion engine and a LiFePO4 battery.
Terrafugia added upgraded seats, improved seat belts, airbags, and will provide increased visibility for the people in it thanks to the three rearview cameras.
“Developing this new technology has allowed us to test several different mechanisms and generate process improvements along the way,” said in a statement Terrafugia CEO Chris Jaran.
“We are at the critical point where we can implement the best design features based on years of flight and drive testing. This will improve function, safety, and aesthetics for the optimal flying and driving experience.”
It is not clear what type of market the Transition would address, as to be able to use it one would need both a driver's and a pilot’s license.
Also, the projected rise of flying taxis supported by Uber, Airbus and a host of Chinese drone-builders, will more than definitely bury the flying car concept that has been struggling to come to life ever since the age of the Wright brothers or Traian Vuia.
Terrafugia Transition Roadable Aircraft comes with folding wings, and it is powered by a Rotax 912S engine, capable of giving the machine a range of 400 nautical miles (460 miles) at a top cruising speed of 100 knots (115 mph). For land use, the two-seater Transition uses a front wheel drive setup.
As compared to the versions being tested until now, the 2019 production model will bring a series of updates. The most important is use of a hybrid-electric motor, which would allow the combination of power coming from both an internal combustion engine and a LiFePO4 battery.
Terrafugia added upgraded seats, improved seat belts, airbags, and will provide increased visibility for the people in it thanks to the three rearview cameras.
“Developing this new technology has allowed us to test several different mechanisms and generate process improvements along the way,” said in a statement Terrafugia CEO Chris Jaran.
“We are at the critical point where we can implement the best design features based on years of flight and drive testing. This will improve function, safety, and aesthetics for the optimal flying and driving experience.”
It is not clear what type of market the Transition would address, as to be able to use it one would need both a driver's and a pilot’s license.
Also, the projected rise of flying taxis supported by Uber, Airbus and a host of Chinese drone-builders, will more than definitely bury the flying car concept that has been struggling to come to life ever since the age of the Wright brothers or Traian Vuia.
Google News