18 March 2009
One of the leading contenders for being the world’s first serious ‘flying car’ has taken an important step forward, having achieved its first flight.
The first flight of the Terrafugia Transition took place earlier this month at Plattsburgh International Airport. It was intended as a short ‘runway flight’, which is what happened but test pilot Col. Phil Meteer felt enough to be able to describe the vehicle as, among other things, ‘smooth’ and ‘rock solid’.
Meteer also enthuses about the landing characteristics – as the aircraft has a road configuration, it is very stable in the landing.
After landing, the wings fold using an electro-mechanical system and the power is diverted from the rear-facing propeller to the front wheels.
Expected performance includes a 100kt cruise, 400nm range and 5 gallon per hour burn in the air; on the ground, it burns 30mpg (at highway speeds).
The aeroplane fits into the US Light Sport Aircraft category; first deliveries are currently expected in 2011.
