Mankind has dreamt of a flying car for decades, and while most fictional examples appear to use futuristic hover technology, the engineers of Terrafugia have taken a decidedly more practical approach. The company's Transition aircraft has just received approval from the Department of Transportation and is slated to enter commercial production later this year. Taking proven aircraft technology and adapting it for road use has created a craft that performs admirably in both scenarios.
The Transition features folding wings that allow it to go from plane to highway cruising machine in just seconds. A few exceptions have been made in order for the vehicle to squeak by certain safety requirements. The craft's beefy curb weight — much of it due to road safety features — has been scrutinized, as has its polycarbonate windows which are considerably thinner than standard automotive safety glass.
Terrafugia was founded in 2006 by graduates of MIT, with the sole purpose of developing a "roadable aircraft," i.e. a flying car. The Transition is the fruit of the company's labor, and has already taken to the skies to prove its worth. The craft will be offered for sale in late 2012 with an estimated price tag of $250,000. If Terrafugia's plans come to fruition, it will be the first commercially available vehicle that can not only drive to an airstrip, but take to the skies as well.
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Chanzo: Internet.
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