Flying car comes closer to reality

The fantasy of flying cars moved a step closer to reality with the Terrafugia Transition successfully completing the flying test. US-based firm Terrafugia said their production prototype Transition car-plane had successfully carried out the test flight, clearing the way for it to hit the market within a year. 

Phase 1 flight testing, conducted recently at Plattsburgh International Airport in Plattsburgh, NY, allowed Terrafugia to check off many critical early testing objectives for the Transition program.  The Transition had previously shown it could become airborne in an eight-minute flight, but the latest performance was the first extended flight for the craft.

Five more flight test phases are planned. The production prototype is now moving into drive testing to explore the ground drivetrain, suspension tuning, braking performance, and road handling.

“We have great momentum going in our testing program,” said Terrafugia COO Anna Mracek Dietrich. “Our top priority now is flight and drive-testing, in anticipation of certifying compliance with the Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) standards.”

Terrafugia argues that the Transition offers unparalleled freedom of movement, with a range of 787km and without the need to check bags. Spanning 2.3m as a car, it fits into a normal-sized garage, before unfurling an 8m wingspan. To take advantage, would-be owners will need to have both a driver's and pilot's licence - with a minimum of 20 hours of flying time. 

Terrafugia says the Transitions result brings closer the dream of drivers slipping the surly - and traffic congested - bonds of Earth. However, it is more a road-going plane than the science fiction idea of a flying car. The craft needs 762m of runway for takeoff, meaning pulling onto the shoulder and escaping the traffic is not really an option. 

While many companies have tried to market an aerocar, none have succeeded in producing more than a handful of models. But Terrafugia says it will launch into full commercial production.  The two-seater craft costs around $US279,000 ($A268,000) and some 100 vehicles have been ordered.