The Terrafugia Transition Flying Car
By Los Angeles Times Staff Writers
Several years in the making, the Terrafugia Transition made a successful first test flight this week at Plattsburgh International Airport in upstate New York.
Often referred to as a "flying car," the Transition (created by Terrafugia Inc.) is a two-seat aircraft designed to take off and land at local airports and drive on any road.
The Transition can fly up to 450 miles at over 115 mph, can drive at highway speeds on the road and fits in a standard household garage.
The Transition operates in front-wheel drive when driven on the street. Transforming from plane to car takes the pilot less than 30 seconds.
"Travel now becomes a hassle-free integrated land-air experience. Its what aviation enthusiasts have been striving for since 1918, says Carl Dietrich, CEO of Terrafugia.
The Transition uses high-octane unleaded gasoline and gets about 27 miles to a gallon.
Categorized as a "light sport aircraft," the Transition requires a sport pilot license to fly.
For its first flight, on March 18, 2009, the Transition was flown by Phil Meteer, a retired Air Force colonel, at Plattsburgh International Airport. The historic flight came after six months of static, road and taxi testing.
The project is supported by a world-class network of advisors and private investors, The company name, "Terrafugia" is Latin for "escape from land."
source: orlandosentinel
