The Flying car 'Transition' gets more real with test flight

With the technology advancing every moment a flying car is no more a science fiction or a dream and is getting closer to being real with every passing second. The Terrafugia Inc. has developed a prototype of the flying car that has been named ‘Transition'. This flying car prototype has two seats, four wheels and wings that can be folded while the car is being driven on road. Terrafugia is introducing ‘Transition' to the public in the upcoming New York International Auto Show.

This prototype was recently tested for the first time during which it flew at 1,400 feet for eight minutes. With the success of this first flight the launch of the ‘Transition' can be expected somewhere in the next year. According to the company's spokesperson Steven Moscaritolo the ‘Transition' can attain a max speed of 112 kmph on the ground and 185 kmph in the air. The ground mileage of the flying car is 15 kmpl. The car has already bagged around 100 deposits of $10,000 dollars and the number is expected to grow more post the official revelation, he added. The sales figures are guessed not to touch great heights as expected cost of this flying car is around $279,000.

Robert Mann, airline industry analyst and owner of R.W. Mann Co, Port Washington, New York, feels that the size of market for this flying car is very questionable since the aviation market across the globe has descended largely because of the high fuel and manufacturer's liability costs. He also mentioned that the western U.S. is most likely to be biggest market for ‘Transition' as people might prefer flying rather than driving through long distances. The American government has also supported the company Terrafugia by allowing it to use special tires and glass for easy flight as they are lighter than the usual ones. In order to keep the weight in check other waivers like absence of an electronic stability control in the flying car have been granted by the government. To be able to drive this new flying car the prospective owners of the ‘Transition' would be required to pass a test and complete 20 hours of flying time.