Flying Car Terrafugia Transition Gets FAA Nod

June 30th, 2010 - 7:59 pm ICT by GD  

By Ranjan Bhaduri
Flying CarJune 30, (THAINDIAN NEWS) Automobile industry has touched a new milestone with the revolutionary car cum aircraft Terrafugia Transition getting the nod from the FAA. It is a lightweight airplane that can also double up as a car. The production of the model will start in the near future. It has got an unprecedented exemption from the federal government on the USA after which the company can make the model up to 110 pounds heavier than a regular aircraft. However, the manufacturer has not been able to put in crumple zones and airbags which are standard safety features in cars.

It can accommodate two people and uses front wheel drive technology on road. To take off from the road the Terrafugia Transition needs at least one third of a mile runway. When it glides o air it can reach a peak speed of 115 mph. The car has already created sensation and according to the manufacturer 70 people have placed orders for it so far. It is going to be priced around $194,000. If the plane gets into bad weather it can make landing and convert into a car when necessary.

The car can fly for 450 miles at a stretch. The conversion to car from plane is quicker. The wings of the car can be neatly folded with the press of a button. It also comes with a parachute to ensure hassle free landing in case the engine conks off mid air. The car will be made commercially available by the end of the next year. In spite of the step price it is a technological wonder.

Related Stories

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted in Sci-Tech |

Subscribe