As I ate French toast this morning (made with Italian bread) thumbing through the Sunday edition of the Boston Globe I noticed a familiar image of a flying car that is making headlines across the internet. What I didn’t know about this futuristic invention is that the company, Terrafugai, Inc., is based in Woburn, Massachusetts (45 minutes away). Contrary to being a flying car, this new prototype, called Transition is defined as a “roadable aircraft” and is targeted at changing the burdens of owning a small aircraft by making the common plane capable of being used as a ground vehicle.
Small craft pilots usually have to store their planes in rented hanger spaces which are expensive, the Transition vehicle eliminates this need by allowing the pilot to drive home after flight. Also the limitations of what the FAA describes as a ”light-sport aircraft” are major design factors in the new prototype, such as maintaining the weight of the vehicle to less then 1,320 pounds. The weight limitation must factor in a light weight plane and also a road capable vehicle that can pass FAA and DMV standards. The Globe article by Scott Kirsner mentions the company’s struggle to obtain a license plate from the Department of Motor Vehicles which took 6 months because they, like the FAA, are not prepared to register this type of dual-purpose vehicle. The FAA also limits “light-sport aircraft” to only fly in fair weather making the Transition a better solution by allowing pilots to land on nearby airstrips during sudden occurring storms. Another advantage is that no matter where the Transition lands, the pilot has a road worthy vehicle to continue the journey.
The company claims 50 vehicles have already been pre-ordered for $198,000 and is currently looking for more investors. The Transition will be a two-seater vehicle capable of 70-80 mph land speed and 120 mph max air speed, running on premium unleaded gasoline. Recently they were at a local airport testing the vehicle for high speed driving stability and intend on flight testing before the end of this year (perhaps they will invite me to witness the initial flight).
Terrafugai is doing something truly innovative with the Transition vehicle and maintaining focus even in today’s down economy. Let’s hope this brilliant idea really takes flight in the near future, as it could very well change the transportation industry much like the Wright Brothers have done.
images: www.terrafugia.com
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