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Old April 12th 06, 09:07 PM posted to rec.aviation.piloting
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Default Where's My Flying Car?

On Wed, 12 Apr 2006 15:07:05 -0400, "Gary Drescher"
wrote in
::

http://www.terrafugia.com/


Thanks, Gary. It's an interesting concept from a group of MIT
graduates.

Here's some things that caught my eye on the web site:

The Transition is a Personal Air Vehicle (PAV) designed to make
general aviation more practical for personal transportation. This
increased practicality is accomplished by enabling the promise of
a true integrated roadable aircraft at an economically compelling
price. The Transition will be capable of driving at normal highway
speeds, flying at speeds that approach the light sport aircraft
limit, and parking in a standard garage. The freedom enabled by
this aircraft will fundamentally increase the personal mobility of
its owners while simultaneously improving the safety and
practicality of GA travel.

Due to the required investment in the engineering design and
testing for a vehicle of this type, first delivery is scheduled in
2009, but you can expect a fully operational prototype in 2008 if
not sooner.

The exact price of the Transition will be determined as
engineering development continues, but the current estimated price
is $148,000.


Specifications
(all numbers are preliminary until delivery of production vehicle)
GTOW: 1320 lbs.
Max Payload: 430 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 20 gallons (120 pounds)
Engine: ~100 hp (final engine selection will be conducted as part
of a competitive bid process, performance numbers below are for an
assumed maximum 100 BHP engine fuel consumption is based on Rotax
912 ULS)
Vs = 50 mph
V1 = 70 mph
Vh = 135 mph
Fuel Consumption (75% power): 4 GPH
Cruise Speed (75% power): 120 mph
Gas Mileage: 30mpg (air), 40mpg (hwy), 30mpg (city)
Max Wingspan = 325 in (27 ft)
Max Length = 225 in (18.75 ft)
Max Height = 80 in (6.75 ft)
Width when folded up = 80 in (6.75 ft)
Minimum Takeoff Distance ~ 1500 feet
Fuel: Super-unleaded/100LL