Debut Flight Of Worlds First Flying Car

The world’s first flying car made its debut flight over the skies of New York last month.

Terrafugia Flying Car

The Terrafugia Transition can cruise at 115mph, then land, fold its wings, and drive away safely at highway speeds. It can then be stored neatly in a regular-sized garage.

Carl Dietrich, creator of the Terrafugia, said:

“This breakthrough changes the world of personal mobility – it’s what aviation enthusiasts have been striving for since 1918.”

Although the Terrafugia is not the technically the world’s very first flying car, it is the first proven model with foldable wings that can seamlessly transfer between air and road.

Company test pilot Phil Meteer, a former air force colonel, piloted the maiden flight earlier this month. He said:

“The first flight was remarkably unremarkable…

“I’ve flown several thousand hours in everything from Piper Cubs to F-16s, and the Transition flew like a really nice airplane.”

The company claims the vehicle can travel for 400 miles on a single tank of gas, and refueling requires nothing more than a quick fill of unleaded petrol at your local gas station.

Terrafugia Taking Off

Because the Terrafugia is classed as a light aircraft, it will struggle to fly in poor weather, bad visibility or restricted airspace. However it does have the advantage of being able to land and continue the journey by road.

Terrafugia In Flight

To fly the vehicle legally, drivers must also obtain a pilots license, fortunately the license required to fly a ‘light sport’ category aircraft is fairly easy to obtain.

Terrafugia

The car/plane will cost around £139,000 at launch, no more than a top of range Bentley, and although the company are still waiting for certification from the National Highways and Transportation Safety Administration, they are ‘confident’ the vehicle will soon be taking to the roads and skies.

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