Want to buy a flying car? Wait till 2011

Terrafugia, Inc, developer of the Transition Roadable Aircraft, or "Flying Car", released, on Monday, specifications and computer graphics of the exciting  new Transition. Deliveries of the Transition are scheduled to begin in late 2011.

The improvements to the design are based on data acquired during drive and flight testing of the Proof of Concept, successfully completed in 2009, and extensive computer-aided design and optimisation.

Some features in the next generation design include:

• Automotive-style crash safety features including an energy absorbing crush structure in the nose of the vehicle and a rigid safety cage to protect the occupants.


• A customised, intuitive touch-screen interface in the cockpit.


• An improved wing with an optimised airfoil and a folding mechanism that operates smoothly and safely from inside the cockpit.


• A pusher propeller with an open empennage that makes efficient use of the 100 hp Rotax 912S mid-mounted engine in flight and is locked in place when driving.


• Rear-wheel drive with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and tuned independent suspension for responsive road handling.

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Terrafugia (terra-FOO-gee-ah), based in Woburn, MA, comprises a team of award-winning engineers who have been advancing the state of personal aircraft since 2006.

Founded by five pilots who are graduates of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and supported by a world-class network of advisors and private investors, Terrafugia's mission is the innovative expansion of personal mobility.  "Terrafugia" is Latin for "escape from land."

The Transition combines the unique convenience of being able to fold its wings with the ability to drive on any surface road in a modern personal airplane platform.

Stowing the wings for road use and deploying them for flight at the airport is activated from inside the cockpit. This unique functionality addresses head-on the issues faced by today's Private and Sport Pilots.

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Performance

• 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)


• Milage on road: 35 mpg (14.9 km/L)

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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 912S engine


• Full vehicle parachute available


• Modern glass avionics


• Automotive crash safety features

Dimensions

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