Main image via Driven
The dawn of flying cars is upon us as the world's first flying car is getting closer to its debut!
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Manufacturer, Terrafugia—which belongs to the parent company of Volvo—is taking orders for pre-sales of the Transition. According to company spokesperson, Danielle Kershner, the Transition is a two-seat "roadable” aircraft that can switch between driving and flying modes in less than one minute!
Image via Fox Business
The Transition will be able to fly up to 640km at top speeds of 100mph (160km/h). Although prices have yet to be determined, preliminary sales will begin this month, according to China's news agency, Xinhua. The first of the hybrid-electric vehicles will be delivered to customers next year!
Terrafugia was founded by Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2006 and was later acquired by Volvo's parent company, Chinese manufacturer Geely, in 2017.
Image via Driven
The company also stated that recent improvements to the Transition include a hybrid-electric motor, upgraded seats, more luggage storage, improved seat belts and airbags. The vehicle has also been fitted with rear-view cameras and a new parachute system, as well as a "boost" mode, which gives “a brief burst of extra power while flying”.
The vehicle was certified as a Light Sport Aircraft by the Federal Aviation Administration in 2016. The Transition also meets the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration standards, but consumers will need a pilot's license to operate the vehicle.
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Terrafugia believes the Transition could be a useful vehicle for pilots to land at small airports and drive straight home. The vehicle has fold-out wings and weighs roughly 600kg with a fixed landing gear. It can fly to a maximum altitude of 3,048m!
The company has also planned a four-person follow-up known as the TF-X, which will be computer-controlled—passengers can type in a destination before taking off!
"The TR-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," said the company.
Back in July, CEO Chris Jaran said, "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."
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Are you a fan of the flying car?
Info via Driven and Fox Business
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