Flying Cars

The are a lot of concepts out there. Here is a flying car of particular interest. Terrafugia is developing the "Transition ". The 2 seat vehicle is designed as a light-sports airplane that can fit in your garage. The Transition is a project of M.I.T. grad students assisted by colleagues at the department of Aeronautics and Astronautic. The wings fold in so the vehicle can move around in regular traffic with the size of an S.U.V. Their main challenge will be to create enough cargo room to suite consumers. Only time will tell if this vehicle is practical from an economic perspective.

The aircraft will be equipped with airbags, aerodynamic bumpers, and a GPS unit .In 2009, this jewel should be available for $148,000. What you get is :

Engine: 100 hp Rotax 912 S (four-stroke)

Cruise Speed (75% power): 100 kts (115 mph, 185 km/hr)

Takeoff Distance over 50 ft obstacle: 1,700 ft (520 m)

click here for more specs.

Personally I prefare the Moller International's concept, the Skyblazer, an airplane that can take off and land vertically like a hover craft. Although we have no more information about the progress of this concept, rumor has it that people who invested in the Skyblazer (video) lost their money... Moller international is coming up with another concept called The M200G volantor (watch the video by the article) which is practically a hover craft that looks like an alien vessel. I will give you updates on this as the year goes on.

For more information on the Transition go to:
http://www.terrafugia.com/index.html
http://news.com.com/Flying+car+ready+for+takeoff/2100-11389_3-6040007.html
http://www.boston.com/yourlife/articles/2006/02/15/baby_you_can_fly_my_car/

Also take a look at this very interesting design, the Airscooter.

Now enjoy this preview.



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