Terrafugia Plans TF-X Flying Car
[photo credit: Terrafugia]
Terrafugia has motoring aspirations that are sky-high. The maker of the Transition airplane—you know, the one with the foldable wings that also happens to be street legal—has announced plans for a new flying car, the TF-X.
The Terrafugia TF-X is envisioned as a four-seat flying car, capable of vertical takeoff and landing. It would be powered by a plug-in hybrid system. The concept behind the TF-X is that it would make travel faster and more convenient, relieve traffic congestion, and decrease the number of traffic accidents.
Its two pivoting rotors generate lift allow it to take off (like a helicopter). Then they rotate forward, letting the wings provide lift like a traditional airplane.
On the ground, the wings fold to the side to allow the TF-X to be driven on public roads like a normal car.
Flight controls in the TF-X would be simplified to make it easier to pilot, and to increase safety.
Have a look at the TF-X in the attached gallery, or scroll down for more information in the press release.
Terrafugia Shares TF-X™ Vision
Woburn, MA (May 6, 2013) – Terrafugia Inc., the developer of the Transition® street-legal airplane, announced its vision for the future of personal transportation. Building on its experience with the Transition® program, Terrafugia has begun feasibility studies of a four-seat, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) plug-in hybrid-electric flying car, the TF-X™. Incorporating the state-of-the-art in intelligent systems, fly by wire controls, and currently available technology, the TF-X™ will further increase the level of safety, simplicity, and convenience of personal aviation.
“This is the right time for us to begin thinking about the future of the company beyond Transition® development,” says Terrafugia CEO/CTO Carl Dietrich, “We are passionate about continuing to lead the creation of a flying car industry and are dedicating resources to lay the foundations for our vision of personal transportation.” Terrafugia’s design team is excited to be looking ahead to TF-X™ development activities as the Transition® program shifts from research and development to certification, production, and customer support activities. The Transition® serves as a Proof of Process for TF-X™ development and commercialization through the many technical, regulatory, and usage challenges it has overcome.
By directly addressing congestion and other transportation challenges currently being faced internationally, widespread adoption of vehicles like the Transition® and TF-X™ could result in significant economic benefits and personal time savings. Preliminary conversations with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about the TF-X™ concept have demonstrated their willingness to consider innovative technologies and regulatory solutions that are in the public interest and enhance the level of safety of personal aviation. Terrafugia is excited to be nearing production of the Transition® and continuing to push the envelope of personal transportation. Dietrich adds, “Terrafugia is about increasing the level of safety, simplicity, and convenience of aviation. TF-X™ is an opportunity to provide the world with a new dimension of personal freedom!”
Terrafugia (terra-FOO-gee-ah), based in Woburn, MA, is a growing aerospace company founded by pilot-engineers from MIT and supported by a world-class network of advisors and investors. The company name is Latin for “escape the earth.” Terrafugia’s mission is to build practical flying cars. More information is available at www.DrivenToFly.com
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