World's first FLYING CAR that can turn into a plane in less than a minute and soar along at 100 mph is going on sale in the US next month
World's first FLYING CAR that can turn into a
plane in less than a minute and soar along at 100mph is going on sale in the US
next month
·
First
two-seat hybrid-electric vehicles will be delivered to customers next
year
·
They are
manufactured by Terrafugia, owned by the parent company of Volvo
·
Price has
not yet been determined but preliminary sales will begin next month
The world's first flying car is set to go on
the market with pre-sales scheduled to begin next month.
The first of the two-seat hybrid-electric vehicles, which
can switch between driving and flying modes in less than a minute, will be
delivered to customers next year.
According to manufacturer Terrafugia, which belongs to
the parent company of Volvo, the Transition can fly up to 400 miles (640km) at
top speeds of 100mph (160kmh).
The price
has not yet been determined but preliminary sales for the first of the
pioneering models will begin in October, according to China's
news agency Xinhua.
Recent improvements to the vehicle have included a
hybrid-electric motor, upgraded seats, more luggage storage, improved seat
belts and airbags, the company said.
The vehicle has also been fitted with rear-view cameras
and a new parachute system, as well as 'boost' mode, which gives 'a brief burst
of extra power while flying'.
It was certified as a Light Sport Aircraft by the
Federal Aviation Administration in 2016.
The vehicle also meets National Highway and Traffic
Safety Administration standards but consumers will need a pilot's license to
operate the Transition.
The company believes Transition could be a useful vehicle
for pilots to land at small airports and drive straight home.
The aircraft has fold-out wings, weighing roughly 1,300
pounds, and has fixed landing gear. It can fly to a maximum altitude of 10,000
feet.
The TF-X, a planned four-person follow-up, will be
computer-controlled so that passengers can type in a destination before taking
off.
'The TF-X won't require an airport for takeoff and landing,
and it will drive on all roads and highways - providing the convenience of true
door-to-door transportation,' the company said.
The company's CEO Chris Jaran said in
July: 'Developing this new technology has allowed us to test several
different mechanisms and generate process improvements along the way.
'We are at the critical point where we can implement the
best design features based on years of flight and drive testing.
'This will improve function, safety and aesthetics for
the optimal flying and driving experience.'
THE TF-X: KEY SPECIFICATIONS
The vehicle will have a cruising speed of 200 mph (322
km/h), along with a 500-mile (805 km) flight range.
TF-X will have fold-out wings with twin electric motors
attached to each end.
These motors allow the TF-X to move from a vertical to a
horizontal position, and will be powered by a 300 hp engine.
The planned four-person TF-X will be semi-autonmous and
use computer-controlled so that passengers can simply type in a destination
before taking off.
TF-X vehicles will be capable of automatically avoiding
other air traffic, bad weather, and restricted and tower-controlled airspace.
The vehicle will be able to recharge its batteries either
from its engine or by plugging in to electric car charging stations.
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