As a car, the Terrafugia Transition could be said to be found somewhat wanting in the looks department – it is an ugly beast, but it is an ugly beast that is approved for use both on the ground and in the air.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) made a unique exception in granting the Transition light sport aircraft status – it is 120lb over the weight limit. Terrafugia had said that it was simply impossible to include the safety features necessary to make the flying car road-legal and keep it below the maximum weight of 1,320lb.
The weight class makes an enormous amount of difference to the potential user-base of the vehicle, as a light sport aircraft, the Transition can be flow after just 20 hours of flying time – significantly less than would be required to obtain a full pilot’s license.
So what does $194,000 get you in a flying car? If the manufacturer’s claims are to be believed, on the ground it can manage 30 miles per gallon on the highway; in the air it has a cruising speed of 115mph, a range of 460 miles, and it can carry 450lb. To take off, it requires a suitable runway of 1,700 feet, and it can be housed in a standard garage.
You can reserve yours now for just $10,000.
if this flying car only has a payload of 450lb, how is it going to take off with the average American flying it?
I get the impression that you are still smarting from that 4-1 hiding that the Germans gave your team.
if this flying car only has a payload of 450lb, how is it going to take off with the average American flying it?
I get the impression that you are still smarting from that 4-1 hiding that the Germans gave your team.