Flying car - the ulitmate BOV?

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by kckndrgn, Jun 29, 2010.


  1. kckndrgn

    kckndrgn Monkey+++ Moderator Emeritus Founding Member

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring...ar-gets-go-ahead-from-US-air-authorities.html
    he Transition was designed as a "light sport" aircraft, the smallest kind of private aeroplane under FAA classification, with a maximum weight of 1,320lb. But the manufacturers found it impossible to fit the safety features - airbags, crumple zones and roll cage, for instance - that are required for road vehicles into that weight. Uniquely, however, the FAA has granted the Transition an exemption - allowing it to be classified as a light sport aircraft despite being 120lb over the limit.

    <!-- BEFORE ACI --> Light sport aircraft licences require just 20 hours' flying time, making them much easier to obtain than full private licences.

    The two-seater Transition can use its front-wheel drive on roads at ordinary highway speeds, with wings folded, at a respectable 30 miles per gallon. Once it has arrived at a suitable take-off spot - an airport, or adequately sized piece of flat private land - it can fold down the wings, engage its rear-facing propellor, and take off. The folding wings are electrically powered.
    Its cruising speed in the air is 115mph, it has a range of 460 miles, and it can carry 450lb. It requires a 1,700-foot (one-third of a mile) runway to take off and can fit in a standard garage.
    Terrafugia says that one of the major advantages of the Transition over ordinary light aircraft is safety - in the event of inclement weather, it can simply drive home instead of either being grounded or flying in unsafe conditions.
    The company says that 70 people have ordered the car, leaving a $10,000 (£6,650) deposit each. The car is expected to retail at $194,000 (£129,000). Deposits are held in escrow, meaning that should the company go bankrupt before delivery, the money will be refunded.
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  2. Tracy

    Tracy Insatiably Curious Moderator Founding Member

    We just recently caught a show on flying cars. :cool:
     
  3. ghrit

    ghrit Bad company Administrator Founding Member

    Bought one yet? Going OVER the bogs has to be better than washing off the buggy later.
     
  4. Tracy

    Tracy Insatiably Curious Moderator Founding Member

    Nah. Mr. doesn't like to fly. I, on the other hand, would fly everywhere, had I the choice.


    Besides... A little dirt never hurt anyone :D.
     
  5. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

  6. Seawolf1090

    Seawolf1090 Retired Curmudgeonly IT Monkey Founding Member

    Back in the 70's, Popular Mechanics debuted a 'flying car' that was a tiny car with flat-four aero engine, and detachable wing/tail unit.
    Later the same designer scaled the concept up to use a Ford Pinto for the car portion - it was shown on one of the James Bond movies - the one where he was in La. I believe.

    Combine that concept with the old '50s "Amphicar" and you'd have THREE modes of transport!
     
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