transition® in flight!
image courtesy of terrafugia


massachusetts game-changing aircraft company terrafugia, inc., has received approval
to have their 'transition®' roadable flying car mass produced. the two-seater aircraft
is designed to take off and land at local airports, but also has the capabilities to drive
on any road. transforming the plane to car mode takes the pilot less than a 30 second transition.
transition® has the ability to cruise up to 450 mi at over 115 mph, drive at highway speeds
on the road and fit within the standard household garage ( 2 x 2 x 5.8 m long). once airborne,
it can maintain speeds of 62 miles (100 km), with a fuel consumption of 6.2 miles (10 km) per litre.
the wings can fold and deploy at the press of a button, it has front wheel drive on the road along
with a propeller for flight. both modes are powered by unleaded gasoline from a regular gas station.



image courtesy of terrafugia


categorized as a light sport aircraft, the transition® requires a sport pilot certificate
and driver's license to operate, along with 200 000 USD to pay for one. by giving pilots
a convenient ground transportation option, the transition® reduces the cost, inconvenience
and weather sensitivity of personal aviation. it also increases safety by incorporation
automotive crash structures and allowing pilots to drive under bad weather.



image courtesy of terrafugia


terrafugia is comprised of a team of award-winning engineers who have been working
to improve and advance the personal aircraft since 2006. it was founded by five pilots
who are graduates of MIT and supported by a network of advisors and private investors.
delivery of the first aircraft is set to happen in the last quarter of 2011.



takeoff...
image courtesy of terrafugia



view of propeller from behind during first flight
image courtesy of terrafugia



transition® at plattsburgh international airport looking over lake champlain
image courtesy of terrafugia



transition® and chase plane testing
image courtesy of terrafugia



transition® parked
image courtesy of terrafugia



the vehicle uses high-octane unleaded auto gas
image courtesy of terrafugia



the transition® has front wheel drive on the road
image courtesy of terrafugia



the transition® is only 6'9'' tall and 80'' wide with wings folded allowing it to fit into a normal-sized garage
image courtesy of terrafugia



transition® turntable animation
video by benjamin schweighart



terrafugia transition® landing animation
video by benjamin schweighart



transition® proof of concept outside