Flying Car
A Boston company in Jan. 22, 2009 flight tests a two-seater airplane that is light as a car.
The aptly called Transition bridges gap between airplanes and automobiles. Some people names it a flying car. The company prefers the “roadable aircraft” term.
You drive on the runway then unfold the wings and fly off. 500 miles on full tank (regular unleaded). When you land, fold the wings and drive and park at home.
Woburn Mass’s Terrafugia, isn’t the only one to attempt this type of hybrid
Aerocar of Longview Company, Washington, in 1949 made the 1st flying cars. Six prototypes were built, one never made into production.
Terrafugia, founded by MIT students group in 2006, has made deposits more than forty Transitions which will be delivered in 2010. Richard Gersh is the vice president of the business development.
The vehicles priced $194,000.
Advance in propulsion technologies and materials are the reasons Terrafugia’s commercial success. Knapinski says, government is going soft about regulations on pilot licensing and private aircraft.