Flying Car to hit the road/sky by 2011

The flying car of tomorrow is here today – almost. Terrafugia plans on delivering its first Transition, a cross between a car and a plane, by 2011. The Transition, aptly named for its ability to retract and deploy its wings, comes with an anticipated price tag of $194,000.

According to its website, the Massachusetts based Terrafugia employs engineers who have been advancing technology “in personal aircraft since 2006.” Although the Transition can function as a car, its real emphasis is on its flying capabilities: its calculated top speeds being 65-70mph on the ground compared to 100mph in the air. Despite completing more than 20 test flights in the previous year, the Transition has yet be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration before production can begin.

Though certification is still pending, the FAA has recently approved a weight exemption for the new flying car. The Transition is allowed to have a maximum 1,430 pounds of takeoff weight whereas other planes within the Light Sport Aircraft class are limited to 1,320 pounds. The additional weight is due to additional safety features needed for the Transition to operate on the road. Among the safety features are an energy absorbing crumple zone, airbags, and a protective safety cage.

Terrafugia, from Latin meaning “escape the earth,” promises the ability to fly its new invention with “as little as 20 hours of flight time.” What was once symbol of science fiction is now making its way into reality.