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While you’re unlikely to see it taking off and landing on public roads any time soon, the aptly named Transition flying car has taken another (baby) step towards credible usage following the successful completion of its maiden flight in New York.
The Transition flying car takes to the skies in New York. Image: Terrafugia.com.
Described as both a “roadable aircraft” and a “Personal Air Vehicle” by its Massachusetts-based creator Terrafugia, the ambitious Transition this week marked its forward progress by doing more than just lifting its wheels from the ground while hurtling along an airstrip, which it achieved earlier this month.
Looking considerably more like a conventional light aircraft than a roadworthy car, the flight alongside an accompanying chase plane went without a hitch, according to Terrafugia -- media representatives were not permitted to view the flight.
"This breakthrough changes the world of personal mobility," enthused Terrafugia CEO Carl Dietrich following the flight's completion. "Travel now becomes a hassle-free integrated land-air experience. It's what aviation enthusiasts have been striving for since 1918."
When back on the ground the Transition’s wings fold-up allowing its pilot/driver to take advantage of front-wheel drive propulsion and sustainable land speeds suitable for road and highway use.
However, while the Transition is great in principle and can certainly hold its own in either guise, it is currently illegal for the versatile vehicle to take off and land anywhere other than an approved general aviation airport, while any road users wanting one will, of course, require an accompanying pilot’s license.
Despite those potentially image-damaging speed bumps, Terrafugia believes the Transition will be ready to hit the market some time in 2011 at a per vehicle cost of around $194,000 USD.
Other factors associated with the Transition see it running on high-octane unleaded auto fuel, and, when in its land-bound form, the vehicle is 6’9” inches high and only 80” wide when both of its wings are folded up, making it capable of fitting within a standard house garage.
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