Published

Terrafugia Affirms 2019 Launch for Updated Flying Car

  Massachusetts-based Terrafugia Inc. says it is on track to launch its Transition flying car next year in the U.S.

Share

Massachusetts-based Terrafugia Inc. says it is on track to launch its Transition flying car next year in the U.S.

The company, which was purchased by China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group last autumn, was formed in 2006. Terrafugia has demonstrated several prototypes but never launched commercial production.

Terrafugia says it has made several improvements to the two-seat Transition to enhance safety, comfort and performance. The latest version of the Transition will be unveiled next week at the FAA AirVenture show in Oshkosh, Wisc.
 

Recent upgrades include a hybrid powertrain, a boost feature for extra speed while flying, full-frame parachute, enhanced avionics, cushier seats, and improved airbags and seatbelts. Aerospace specialists Dynon and BRS will supply the avionics and parachute, respectively. A rearview three-camera array also has been added to the driving system.

The hybrid system will team a small Rotax engine with an electric motor and lithium-iron-phosphate battery. Terrafugia previously has said the Transition will have a top air speed of about 100 mph and a flying range of 400 miles. The wings can be deployed or folded up in less than a minute, according to the company.

Terrafugia says the Transition meets all Federal Aviation Administration and National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration regulations. Pricing is expected to start at about $280,000.

Terrafugia also is developing a next-generation model called the Transition TF-X. Due in 2023, the TF-X will have vertical takeoff and landing capability.

RELATED CONTENT

  • Jeeps Modified for Moab

    On Easter morning in Moab, Utah, when the population of that exceedingly-hard-to-get-to town in one of the most beautiful settings on Earth has more than doubled, some people won’t be hunting for Easter eggs, but will be trying to get a good look at one of the vehicles six that Jeep has prepared for real-life, fast-feedback from the assembled at the annual Easter Jeep Safari.

  • On Fuel Cells, Battery Enclosures, and Lucid Air

    A skateboard for fuel cells, building a better battery enclosure, what ADAS does, a big engine for boats, the curious case of lean production, what drivers think, and why Lucid is remarkable

  • Choosing the Right Fasteners for Automotive

    PennEngineering makes hundreds of different fasteners for the automotive industry with standard and custom products as well as automated assembly solutions. Discover how they’re used and how to select the right one. (Sponsored Content)

Gardner Business Media - Strategic Business Solutions