BOSTON --- Terrafugia, Inc. announced today the first flight of Transition. Often referred to as a "flying
car," the Transition is a two-seat aircraft designed to take off and land at
local airports and drive on any road. Transforming from plane to car takes the
pilot less than 30 seconds.
Calling it "an historic milestone for aviation," the company says the flight comes after six months of
static, road and taxi testing. The Transition cruises up to 450 mi at over
115 mph, can drive at highway speeds on the road, and fits in a standard
household garage. The vehicle has front wheel drive on the road and a propeller
for flight. Both modes are powered by unleaded gasoline from a regular gas
station.
"This breakthrough changes the world of personal mobility. Travel now becomes
a hassle-free integrated land-air experience. It's what aviation enthusiasts
have been striving for since 1918," says Carl Dietrich, CEO of
Terrafugia.
By giving pilots a convenient ground transportation option, the Transition
reduces the cost, hassle, and weather sensitivity of personal aviation. It also
increases safety by incorporating automotive crash structures and allowing
pilots to drive under bad weather.
For its first flight, the Transition(R) was flown by Phil
Meteer, Colonel, USAFR (Retired) at Plattsburgh
International Airport in Plattsburgh, NY. The chase
aircraft was piloted by Giora Guth.
Categorized as a Light Sport Aircraft, the Transition requires a Sport
Pilot license to fly. The aircraft will undergo additional advanced
flight and drive testing and a pre-production prototype will be built and
certified before first delivery. Refundable airframe reservations are being
accepted.
Terrafugia (terra-FOO-gee-ah), based in Woburn, MA, is
comprised of a team of award-winning engineers who have been advancing the state
of personal aircraft since 2006. Founded by five pilots who are graduates of
MIT and supported by a world-class network of advisors and private
investors, Terrafugia's mission is the innovative expansion of personal
mobility. "Terrafugia" is Latin for "escape from land."
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