The world's first modern flying car, the Terrafugia Transition, has gone into production, our friends at Condé Nast Traveller report.
The aircraft's maiden flight took place on 5 March 2009, lasting only 37 seconds and covering 900m. This took place under US Federal Air Authority supervision at Plattsburgh International Airport in New York.
The Transition is build out of carbon fibre and is a "light sport" class, meaning that anyone with 20 hours of flight experience can operate it. Frightening!
The Transition's capabilities don't quite match the agile concepts we imagined, with a ground speed of 65 mph and air speed of 115 mph. In "ground mode" the plane's wings remain folded, with all the amenities of a car (airbags etc) on the inside. The wings unfurl and the Transition is powered by a pusher propeller for flight, with a range of 400 nautical miles, running on automotive-grade oil.
The first vehicle is expected to roll off the production line in early 2011, but with a hefty price tag of £130,000. The Transition can carry two people and their luggage, perfect for a weekend getaway. With 70 orders on the books, it looks to be a roaring success.
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