Imagine how great would be to live in the Arabian Ranches and work in DIFC district, or live in Mirdif and work in Dubai Media City, only if you do not have to drive to work, but fly. There would be no traffic signals, accidents alerts to follow up, radars to slow you down, peak-hour jams to avoid, Salik tags etc.
Stop dreaming, read further to find out that this could be a reality very soon. And if you are an entrepreneur, spot the opportunity! A whole brand new industry sector, a hybrid between aviation and automotive, is about to emerge. Some will lose fortunes, while others are about to make new ones. Early adopters have stronger chances for success!
The Transition® Street-Legal Airplane, or simply the “Flying Car”, is now a significant step closer to being a commercial reality. The production prototype completed its successful first flight at Plattsburgh International Airport in the United States on March 23, 2012. The same vehicle has also successfully conducted initial drive and conversion testing, demonstrating the Transition’s capability to provide unmatched freedom, flexibility and fun in personal aviation.
Developed by Terrafugia, Inc., the Flying Car is a two seat personal aircraft capable of driving on roads and highways, parking in a single car garage, and flying with unleaded automotive fuel.
The Production Prototype phase of the Transition® program follows Proof of Concept work which included a flying, driving Proof of Concept vehicle and was completed in 2009. The Production Prototype program includes two vehicles and is being used to develop and inform the manufacturing tool-up and compliance program necessary to begin commercial deliveries.
Terrafugia will continue its testing program in preparation for first delivery, which is expected to occur within the next year.
The Flying Car’s first flight reached an altitude of 1400’ above the ground and lasted eight minutes, while staying in the vicinity of the airport. It demonstrated the controllability and safe operational characteristics of the aircraft. Six phases of flight testing are planned to continue development and demonstrate compliance to the Light Sport Aircraft standards.
Speaking about the first flight, Terrafugia Chief Test Pilot Phil Meteer said: “It’s a remarkable vehicle both on the road and, now, in the air. When I drove it into the shop, literally from the road through the garage door, I was amazed that I had just flown it at Plattsburgh a few days before. A long-overdue mode of transportation and fun is just around the corner. I can’t wait for the upcoming flight tests and the chance to ‘wring it out’, demonstrating how safe and enjoyable the Transition® is to fly.”
The Flying Car Production Prototype is on display at the New York International Auto Show April 6-15th at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City.
