Fresh from its maiden test flight last month, the Terrafugia Transition Street-Legal Airplane is on display at the New York motor show.
The makers of the second generation Terrafugia are using the New York show to garner publicity and raise funding to put the part-car, part-plane into production. The prototype on display is one of two that have been built for test work and for preparing for tooling for the production version.
Gallery: Terrafugia Transition Street-Legal Airplane
The rear-drive two-seater is powered by a 100bhp Rotax 912S engine and weighs 650kg. It has been designed to be switched from car to plane, or vice versa, in under half an hour, with its wings extending or folding out at the touch of a button. Its makers say it folds small enough to fit in a conventional garage.
While six phases of flight testing are planned to continue development and meet aircraft safety standards, no mention is made of testing to car safety and compliance standards and no on road performance figures are available.
Although there is no firm production date at present, deposits are being taken. The final asking price is expected to be around £200,000.
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Re: New York show: The flying car
True, I didn't noticed the so low power figure!
Re: New York show: The flying car
As a plane this thing, with 650kg and 100 bhp, is a total slug. It will take forever to gain height and will not be allowed to fly in any kind of inclement weather. It will make a 1950s Cessna 172 look like a rocket. No flyer is going to be interested.
Re: New York show: The flying car
I don't get it. Who, from either camp of driver / pilot would want to accept he compromises that this has as either a car or a plane?
I think matsoc has it right, but how small is that very, very particular market!
My local MOT station might be a bit challenged by it, too.